Efforts To Crack Down On Tenn. As 'Most Overmedicated' State

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On average, Tennessee is the most overmedicated state in the nation. It's a dangerous situation, and it's become a key element in the ongoing health care crisis.

Belmont pharmacy students are training for the day they'll be on the front lines of the battle of overmedicating.

The goal is to learn what to ask, so a patient isn't taking too many drugs - which could lead to dangerous drug interactions.

"Anything over three medications, there is a higher potential for a problem," said Salvatore Giorgianni, Belmont School of Pharmacy.

Over-prescribing medication is one issue leading to Tennessee's title of "most overmedicated state" in the country.

"A lot of people see multiple physicians, and that can lead to duplication of prescriptions," said Giorgianni.

At one point, a large number of Tennesseans averaged 30 different prescriptions each year. That number is down to 16, but the national average is 11.

Tennessee has high rates of diabetes and hypertension which require people to take more medications.

Criminals are fueling the problem also by doctor shopping. They are going from one doctor to another to get controlled substance, and then selling it for a profit.

"Providers I have talked to are fed up with it," said Deborah Faulkner, Office of Inspector General. "They're lying to medical providers to get them. They are doctor shopping."

The Office of Inspector General, a one of a kind agency in the country, is cracking down on the problem inside the TennCare program. A small part of the thousand they've busted are apart of a growing illegal drug industry.

"I think so many times people thought it was just fraud and abuse going on, and no one is doing anything about it- I will guarantee you we will do something about it," said Faulkner.

The state is spending millions of dollars to fight TennCare fraud, and to pay for the Office of Inspector General. It's believed they have saved Tennessee about a $171 million.

OIG has a hotline you can call if you suspect someone of TennCare fraud, 1-800-433-3982.