Sumner Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Sumner County woman is charged with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping, or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain prescriptions for a controlled substance.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Amanda Preston, 35, of Portland.  She is charged with six counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain a controlled substance by doctor shopping and five counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud in connection with obtaining prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone. 

"Doctor shopping and using TennCare as payment carries stronger penalties because state tax dollars are being used to pay for drugs intended for distribution or abuse,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We appreciate and value the hard work of the healthcare providers across the state and their efforts in helping us develop these cases.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  District Attorney General Lawrence R. Whitley 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 $5 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $176 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,227 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."