Robertson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE, TN – A Robertson County woman is facing charges of TennCare “doctor shopping,” the crime of using TennCare to go to multiple doctors to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Amanda M. Adams, 27, of Springfield.  She’s charged with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain codeine, a controlled substance, by doctor shopping.  The physician office visits were paid for by TennCare.

“For those people who haven’t heard, it’s illegal to use TennCare to go from doctor to doctor in a short time frame with the goal of obtaining prescription drugs, and we intend to catch and prosecute those who are committing this crime,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General John W. Carney is prosecuting.

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, over 1,700 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."