Hawkins County Man Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, TN - A Hawkins County man is charged with TennCare doctor shopping in nearby Hamblen County, in an effort to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Brandon Trent, 25, of Rogersville.  He is charged with visiting multiple physicians within a short period to obtain controlled substances, using the state’s Medicaid healthcare insurance program as payment.

“Tennessee is fortunate to have the laws and the authority to pursue people who are doctor shopping for drugs, whether it’s for personal abuse or with the intent of distribution,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. 

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.   District Attorney General C. Berkeley Bell 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 2,000 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."