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 prescriptions for controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with assistance from Metro Nashville Police, today announced the arrest of April S. Bartlett, 24, of Old Hickory.  She is charged with five counts of doctor shopping for prescriptions for controlled substances, with the clinical visits or the prescriptions being paid for by TennCare. 

“We intend to eliminate drug fraud in the TennCare program, including doctor shopping for drugs as well as any effort to get prescription drugs to sell to others,” Acting Inspector General Robert White said.  “Doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement are committed to working against this crime in Tennessee.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III, 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, 2,126 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."