News Channel 9 in Chattanooga reports a Cumberland County man has been indicted in Hamilton County for "doctor shopping," or going to multiple doctors in a short time period to get prescriptions for similar painkillers, and using TennCare to pay for the visits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Craig E. Lindsey, 40, of Crossville. He is charged with two counts of fraudulently obtaining prescription painkillers by "doctor shopping." Lindsey failed to disclose to his doctor that he had seen another physician within a 30-day period and received prescriptions for the painkillers Oxycodone and Oxymorphone. Both physician office visits were paid for by TennCare. Lindsey was in the Cumberland County Detention Center for other charges at the time he was served.

"For years, there was nothing we could do about this crime - but with the new 'doctor shopping' law the OIG can help put a stop to this outrageous behavior and misuse of TennCare benefits," Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. "Physicians across the state have welcomed the opportunity to do something about this problem."

TennCare fraud 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 750 individuals for TennCare fraud, with nearly $1 million paid in restitution to TennCare, and total estimated cost avoidance in TennCare of over $122 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."