Weakley County Woman Charged 2nd Time with TennCare Doctor Shopping

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

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from Martin Police and Weakley County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of 26-year old Jodi Danielle Wilson of Martin.  She is charged in a Weakley County indictment with doctor shopping for the same or similar controlled substances, with TennCare paying for either the clinical visit or the prescriptions. 

Wilson was just arrested last month on a Carroll County indictment charging her with four counts of doctor shopping for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Tramadol, using TennCare as payment.

“Tennessee consistently ranks high among states for prescription drug use,” Acting Inspector General Lawrence S. Saylor, Jr., said. “While many people legitimately need these drugs from time to time, we’re committed to eliminating the incidence of people fraudulently obtaining drugs and letting TennCare pick up the tab.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. District Attorney General Thomas A. Thomas is prosecuting.

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, 2,181 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."