Rutherford Co. Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE – A Rutherford County woman is charged in an indictment for TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for a controlled substance.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Middle Tennessee District of the U.S. Marshall Service Fugitive Task Force, today announced the arrest of Adriane Dearing, 29, of Murfreesboro.  She is charged with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by “doctor shopping.”

“Five years ago, the Legislature gave us the authority to go after people using TennCare to ‘doctor shop’ for drugs,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Since that time, we have charged hundreds of people who tried to go from doctor to doctor in a short span of time to get prescriptions for painkillers and other controlled substances.”

The TennCare fraud charge against Dearing could result in a two year sentence if convicted.  District Attorney General William C. Whitesell, Jr. 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."