Balboa Ambulance

Douglas E.

Joined 6 months ago

Balboa’s billing department was very helpful in explaining on insurance needs for transport. What is covered and what is not covered in regards to Gurney changes. Balboa Ambulance was the only company that explained the process and made it easy to understand!

Recommends

SD Dave H

Joined 2 years ago

Excellent care for my Grandmother. I wanted to pass on a great experience that I had with Balboa Ambulance. They transported my grandmother who is under Hospice care for cancer and they treated her with the utmost dignity and respect. Additionally, they were cordial and respectful to the rest of the family.

The EMT's took such good care of my Grandmother that I can't say enough praise to them. The ambulance was very tidy, they looked so professional, and they were prompt and fast. They made a difference to my Grandmother and to my family.

Thank you Balboa Ambulance!

Doesn't Recommend

Ghostmedic

Joined 2 years ago

LITTLE KNOWN FACT..... A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.....

BALBOA AMBULANCE WAS DEBARRED FROM THE MEDICARE PROGRAM!!! Who wants to be transported to ANYWHERE BY CROOKS!!!!

It took me a very LONG time to research this one... a lot was barred over the years apparently. However, I did get some tips from a lady I know that use to work for them...

Seems that back in the very late 80's and very early 90's, one of the owners of Balboa plead "nolo contendere" (I do not wish to contend) to 32 counts of Medicare fraud in a federal court in Los Angeles. No sooner did the gavel come down on the judges desk, did Clarence "Jack" Olsen packed his bags and took his game on the road, ultimately settling in San Diego!

On the way down here, "Jack" stopped and grabbed his son John, and both started "BALBOA AMBULANCE".... This company became the first "low price" discount ambulance service provider in San Diego County.

"JACK" aka Clarence Olsen, began to become very vocal in the local area. Touting his low prices and that he was a "Medpard" participating provider (everyone is generally), creating a "smoke and mirrors" image of himself and his company, that enabled them to begin to take business from other, more reputable agencies.

Well, it all came to a head when "Jack" spoke before the ESCONDIDO Franchise Board... Clarence didn't realize it was taped... A competitor got a copy of the tape, and once again a debarrment occurred. BALBOA was not allowed for 2 yrs to participate in any program like Medicare, or to do business with any group or organization that did business with a federal entitlement program (Medicare, Medi-Cal, etc...)

John and Clarence sold the company to John's long-time friend "Carl Kozar," allowing BALBOA to remain in business. John and Clarence ran the company from John's kitchen at his home about 1 mile away. Two years and one day later, John and Clarence have been back at it. But there involvement in the medical transportation industry has been a blemish on the local EMS community.

I heard not too long ago, that they received and audit by Medicare.

Now I know this story sounds wayyyyyyy too weird... BUT, IF YOU GO TO THE SD PUBLIC LIBRARY, specifically to the Micro-feash department.

Look up a copy of the SAN Diego Union Tribune for the Balboa -Clarence Olsen story in the A-section. the edition was the October 17, 1991. The final verdict and debarrment issuance was in the same paper, except in the January 2, 1994 edition.

Intersting how far a crooked guy can get if no one knows about him.

Walk away.... walk VERY far away....