Woman indicted for TennCare fraud involving 'doctor shopping' | Crime

A Tipton County woman has been indicted in for TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General, announced Wednesday the arrest of Faith Marie De’Forge, 50, of Drummonds.

De’Forge is charged with four counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by “doctor shopping" according to the State of Tennessee Office of Inspector General

De’Forge willfully and with the intent to deceive failed to disclose to her doctor that she had seen other physicians and received prescriptions for Hydrocodone, with the either the clinical visits or the medications being paid for by TennCare.

“The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health problem in the State of Tennessee,” said Inspector General Deborah Faulkne.

“We’re committed to ensuring that TennCare benefits are used to improve the public health, not jeopardize it.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.

District Attorney General Michael Dunavant is prosecuting.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.