The Select Board is asking the community to report any problems they may have had with STAT Ambulance Services’ billing after STAT and its sister company Southcoast EMS settled with the state attorney general over fraud allegations. 

The North Dartmouth-based companies will pay $1.6 million to the state after an Attorney General’s Office investigation allegedly found a number of falsified or “upcoded” claims, which refer to a company billing for more extensive services than they provided. 

According to the board, the companies indicated that the cases in question primarily came from Southcoast EMS rather than STAT. Still, member Shawn McDonald said he has some concerns, and that the Select Board has an “obligation” to find out more information. 

McDonald asked that the public provide reports of problems they may have had with STAT Ambulance Services, in particular. 

“Send an email or come in directly,” McDonald said. 

Member Heidi Silva Brooks noted that residents should have bills from STAT on hand to back up any alleged problems. 

STAT Ambulance Services is the Town of Dartmouth’s primary ambulance provider. 

“These are really serious charges,” said Select Board Chair David Tatelbaum. “I think people deserve to know more.”

Both companies have mandated training and independent monitoring moving forward as part of the settlement. 

Member Stanley Mickelson said the board should give STAT “the benefit of the doubt,” but he still wants the company to come address the board and provide further information. 

After gathering information from residents for 30 days, the board plans to call STAT in to discuss more.