Woolwine Charged With Tenncare Fraud

A Hamilton County woman has been indicted 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 (OIG), with the assistance of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, today announced the arrest of Cara Woolwine, 32, of Chattanooga.

Woolwine is charged with 16 counts of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by "doctor shopping," by failing to disclose to her doctor that she had seen other physicians within a 30-day period and received prescriptions for the painkillers Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, and the physician office visits were paid for by TennCare.

"We are delighted with the response we've received from physicians across the state in support of cracking down on people who try to doctor shop," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "Before the doctor shopping law, physicians' hands were tied and now with their help, we are aggressively pursuing these cases."

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison. District Attorney General William H. Cox is prosecuting.

The OIG, a law enforcement agency separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has worked cases leading to the arrest of over 700 individuals for TennCare fraud, with over almost $900,000 paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $80 million, according to latest figures.

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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."