Tampa Ambulance Firm Ripped Off Medicare, Medicaid for $900K

TAMPA, FL – Courtesy Transport Services, LLC (“Courtesy”) and its owners, Melanie Burger and Dr. John Milanick, are collectively shelling out $900,000 to settle accusations of a brazen scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the settlement, stemming from allegations that the Tampa-based ambulance company billed for services that were either medically unnecessary or never rendered. The settlement amounts for Courtesy and Melanie Burger are based on their ability to pay.

Federal investigators allege that between June 1, 2013, and June 30, 2019, Courtesy systematically submitted fraudulent claims for basic life support, non-emergency ambulance transport. The U.S. contends these services weren’t reimbursable because patients didn’t require ambulance transport, the services weren’t medically justified, or, in some cases, simply never happened. This isn’t a case of honest mistakes; it’s a calculated attempt to siphon funds from vital healthcare programs.

“False and fraudulent claims for ambulance services harm both the integrity of important federal healthcare programs as well as the seniors who rely on them,” stated U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “Our office is committed to recovering taxpayers’ money from fraud and abuse of these programs and will hold those who submit false claims accountable.” The feds aren’t messing around – they’re sending a clear message that ripping off Medicare and Medicaid comes with a hefty price tag.

Rolando Alvarez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), chimed in, stating, “When health care providers bill Medicare for medically unnecessary services, they not only misuse critical resources meant to care for beneficiaries, but also increase the financial burden on taxpayers.” Alvarez emphasized the collaborative effort with law enforcement partners to root out fraudulent schemes.

The case originated with a whistleblower – Jonathon Whitmore, a former Courtesy employee – who filed a lawsuit under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Whitmore will receive approximately $171,000 from the settlement proceeds, a reward for exposing the alleged misconduct. The case is formally titled United States and the State of Florida ex rel. Whitmore vs. Courtesy Transport, et al., Case No. 5:19-cv-241-Oc-34PRL.

This takedown was a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Florida’s Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“MFCU”), and the HHS Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Tapie and MFCU Deputy Director of Civil Enforcement Cedell Ian Garland spearheaded the investigation. It’s crucial to note that these settlements represent allegations only, and there has been no formal determination of liability. But the $900,000 payout speaks volumes.