Davidson Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, TN - A Davidson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Tracy L. Sanders, 36, of Nashville.  She is charged with five counts of fraudulently obtaining controlled substances by using TennCare to pay for physician office visits, the prescription drugs, or both.

“Prescription drug fraud may have increased in recent years, but we’re intent on stopping this activity in TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.  “Tennessee has zero tolerance for using the state’s Medicaid program to obtain prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.   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 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."