A search for a Metro Vein Centers lawsuit turns up three separate matters involving the West Bloomfield, Michigan-based vein treatment chain: a federal False Claims Act whistleblower case alleging unnecessary procedures billed to government health programs, a wrongful termination and commission dispute filed by a former employee in Oakland County, and a breach of contract case brought by a medical supplier in Connecticut that was voluntarily dismissed. Metro Vein Centers operates 72 locations nationwide and is owned by private equity firm AEA Investors.1AEA Investors. Metro Vein Centers
The Whistleblower Case Alleging Unnecessary Procedures
The most serious lawsuit against Metro Vein Centers is a False Claims Act complaint filed on February 24, 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan under case number 2:21-cv-10421. The plaintiff, identified in filings as Hotoph, is a former employee.2Law Street Media. Former Employee of Michigan’s Metro Vein Centers Alleges Clinic in Violation of FCA
According to the complaint, ultrasound technologists at Metro Vein Centers routinely performed improper scans by “measuring extra noise” on the imaging results. That practice, the plaintiff alleged, was used to justify medical procedures patients did not actually need, producing fraudulent claims submitted to federal health care programs. The plaintiff also alleged she was fired in retaliation after raising concerns internally about the scanning practices.2Law Street Media. Former Employee of Michigan’s Metro Vein Centers Alleges Clinic in Violation of FCA
False Claims Act defendants face treble damages plus per-claim penalties if found liable. The allegations against Metro Vein Centers remain unproven, and the available records do not show a final resolution.
Brockman v. MVC MSO: Wrongful Termination and Commissions
Former Physician Liaison representative Roshelle Brockman sued MVC MSO, LLC and her former supervisor Ashley DeSantis in the Oakland County Circuit Court Business Court in 2024, in case number 24-206668-CB. Brockman alleged she was fired in January 2024 after complaining, verbally and in writing, that she had not been paid commissions she earned and that DeSantis had made unjustified retroactive changes to her commission criteria.3Michigan Courts. Brockman v MVC MSO LLC, 24-206668-CB
Her complaint brought a wrongful termination claim against the company under Michigan’s Wages and Fringe Benefits Act, and tortious interference claims against DeSantis personally, alleging DeSantis conspired to have her fired in retaliation for the commission complaints.3Michigan Courts. Brockman v MVC MSO LLC, 24-206668-CB
On November 13, 2024, Judge Michael Warren issued a mixed ruling on the defendants’ motion for partial summary disposition. The court denied the motion as to the wrongful termination claim against MVC MSO, rejecting the argument that Brockman first had to exhaust administrative remedies under the Wages and Fringe Benefits Act; because she was acting on her own behalf rather than as a whistleblower for others, that requirement did not apply. The court granted the motion as to the tortious interference claims against DeSantis and dismissed them. Under Michigan law, a co-employee is not a “third party” to another employee’s contract with the company, and Brockman’s complaint did not allege that DeSantis acted for her own personal benefit rather than in her supervisory capacity.3Michigan Courts. Brockman v MVC MSO LLC, 24-206668-CB
The wrongful termination claim against the company survives; DeSantis is out of the interference counts.
Northeast Scientific Contract Suit
Medical supply company Northeast Scientific, Inc. sued Metro Vein Centers, LLC and MVC MSO LLC for breach of contract in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, case number 3:2023cv01073, on federal diversity jurisdiction. The case did not last long. Northeast Scientific filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on September 1, 2023, and the docket shows no further activity. The underlying dispute and the reason for the withdrawal are not reflected in the public record.4Justia Dockets. Northeast Scientific Inc v Metro Vein Centers LLC
About the Company Named in These Suits
Metro Vein Centers treats varicose and spider veins and has been in business roughly 19 years, with a Better Business Bureau file dating to November 2006.5BBB. Metro Vein Centers BBB Business Profile Its headquarters are at 7125 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and it operates 72 clinics.6Metro Vein Centers. Privacy Policy Dr. Philip LoPresti serves as Chief Medical Officer.7Metro Vein Centers. Our Story The company is a portfolio holding of AEA Investors, held through the firm’s AEA Elevate fund.1AEA Investors. Metro Vein Centers