Nashville Area Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE – A Davidson County woman is charged in nearby Rutherford County with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for a controlled substance.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted by officers from Metro Nashville and Rutherford County, today announced the arrest of Lisa M. Hood, 43, of Antioch.  Hood has been charged with one count of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.”  An indictment says she received prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone from a series of physicians without disclosing it to any of them, receiving three prescriptions for the drug in less than a month.

"Tennessee is out in front of other states in cracking down on prescription drug crimes committed with taxpayer funding,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Health care providers and their employees have become very good at spotting these cases and they’re equally committed to stopping TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.   District Attorney General William Whitesell, Jr. will be prosecuting this case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, nearly 1,500 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."