Wilson Co. Man Charged with Doctor Shopping for Drugs

NASHVILLE, TN – A Wilson County is indicted for TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, which involves going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to get prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Christopher R. Bailey, 31, of Lebanon.  He is charged with three counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by doctor shopping for controlled substances, with the clinical visits or the prescriptions being paid for by TennCare.

“It’s pretty simple – you can’t use TennCare to go from doctor to doctor to get prescriptions for drugs in the electronic age,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said.  “We are prosecuting these cases to the fullest extent when we have the evidence to convict.”

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson 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 1,900 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."