Maury Co. Woman Charged with TennCare "Doctor Shopping"

NASHVILLE, TN – A Maury County woman is charged in a Williamson County indictment with 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 assistance from sheriff’s officers in Williamson and Maury counties, today announced the arrest of Anna Chick, 47, of Columbia.  She is charged with five counts “doctor shopping” for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.  She used TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to pay for the prescriptions.

“There was a time when a person could get away with ‘doctor shopping,’ but thanks to technology, new laws and greater awareness among healthcare workers, those days are gone,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. 

Chick was taken into custody by the Maury County Sheriff’s Office and transported to Williamson County to be served with the charges.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Kim 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 1,900 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."