Loudon Co. man charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping for second time
 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--A Loudon County man is charged a second time for “Doctor Shopping,” or going to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain controlled substances and using TennCare as payment.

The Office of Inspector General with the assistance of the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 52-year old Eddie Vance Walden, of Philadelphia, TN. He has been indicted by a Loudon County Grand Jury in connection with “Doctor Shopping” for Tramadol, a pain medication, with the physician office visits being paid for by TennCare.

Walden was first charged with “Doctor Shopping” last month in Knox County for trying to get multiple prescriptions for a similar drug, using TennCare to pay for office visits.

“Trying to get prescription drugs for non-legitimate purposes by using TennCare simply won’t be tolerated,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “Physicians and pharmacists across the state are helping us clamp down on this activity.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Russell Johnson will be prosecuting the Loudon County case.