Nashville, TN – A Robertson County woman is charged in nearby Rutherford County with her second charge related to doctor shopping. That’s where a person goes to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain the same or similar controlled substances, using TennCare as payment.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Dana D. Barnett, 38, of Cedar Hill.
Barnett was being held in the Robertson County Jail, where she was being held for similar charges, and upon release was transported to Rutherford County. The Robertson County charge was lodged earlier this month; the cases were being investigated at the same time.
“We are working with the local law enforcement and providers to help us get this kind of activity out of the TennCare program,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We’re committed to eliminating these incidents 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 per charge. District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones is prosecuting.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,497 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 go to www.tn.gov/finance/topic/fa-oig
