Rutherford Co. Woman Charged 2nd Time with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE, TN – A Rutherford County woman is charged a second time with TennCare “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple doctors to obtain the same or similar controlled substances and using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 29-year old Adriane Johanna Dearing, of Murfreesboro.  She is accused in a Davidson County indictment with fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping” for the painkiller Lortab, using TennCare as payment to the doctor or pharmacist.

Dearing was arrested last month after a similar grand jury indictment in Rutherford County, where she was charged with four counts of “doctor shopping” for controlled substances, using TennCare as payment for visits to a physician to obtain prescriptions.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III 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."