Perry Co. Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE – A Perry County woman has been indicted in Lewis County for 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), with the assistance of the Lewis County Sheriff’s, today announced the arrest of Allyson Hinson, 31, of Linden.  She’s charged with two counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping, or seeing multiple physicians within a 30-day period, receiving prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone, with the physician office visits or the prescriptions being paid for by TennCare.

"The fraudulent misuse of TennCare benefits is a serious issue and the Office of Inspector General is cracking down on this crime," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Health care providers are very good at spotting ‘doctor shopping,’ and they are equally committed to stopping TennCare fraud.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.   District Attorney General Kim R. Helper 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, 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."