I received a collections notice for an urgent care visit from a year ago. I thought it must be a mistake but I looked and cannot see that I ever paid for the visit, so I guess it is legit. Do I need to consider anything when sending them the payment? Is there anything I should ask for as proof of settlement? It's only $140.
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Handling a collections notice
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Last: 2 yr ago by Birdbear
I wouldn't pay it unless they agree in writing to remove the hit off your credit report.
At this point, they likely bought the receivable for about $40.00. Offer them $90, and you'll both be happy.
How many times did you get a bill from that urgent care before it was turned over for collection?
As far as I know, zero. Otherwise I would have to paid it.
Call the collection agency, tell them you believe it was already paid and then offer to pay 50% of the debt to settle. That's a win-win solution.
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ItsA&InotA&M said:
Call the collection agency, tell them you believe it was already paid and then offer to pay 50% of the debt to settle. That's a win-win solution.
I would advise against this. Make them certify the debt and deal with the handling of the validity of debt. By offering to settle, you are assuming the debt is valid.
Medical debt makes them go through a lot of hurdles and I'd be making it as tough as hell to try and collect out of me. Just my two cents
Probably a good idea. I am 100% happy to pay what I owe, but obviously the clinic I went to wont get paid anymore than what they sold this debt for so I may as well negotiate.
Not a lawyer and not legal advice - here's what we have used in the past when some random thing we have no idea what it is pops up from a collections standpoint. I have never had medical make it to collections before so not sure how much of the below would apply but I would definitely make them produce the original invoice or some accounting of what you owe and why etc. Additionally, some of the information in the request they may have provided you already. But everyone we have sent one of these responses to we have never heard from again.
Quote:
Dear COMPANY:
I am writing pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to inform you that I dispute the alleged debt associated with account No. ##### with your client: XYZ ABC. I do not believe that I owe the debt alleged by you.
Your debt collection letter addressed to NAME and dated MM/DD/YYYY was the first time I have received anything in writing from you or any other party about this alleged debt. I am requesting that you provide the following information:
- Please explain the nature of the alleged debt - that is, what the money I allegedly owe is for;
- Please provide an itemized accounting explaining how you calculated what you allege that I owe;
- Please provide proof that collection of the alleged debt is within the statute of limitations;
- Please provide me with copies of any contracts or documents which form a basis for the alleged debt; and
- Please provide me with the name and address of the alleged original creditor.
I further request that you take the following actions:
- Please contact any credit agencies to whom you have reported this alleged debt, and inform them that I am disputing the debt; and
- Please also forward a copy of this letter to the creditor who alleges that I owe the debt at issue, and inform them that I am disputing the debt.
Except as specifically outlined herein, I am requesting that you cease all contact with me about the alleged debt. Any further contact should be strictly in conformity with the FDCPA: It should be limited to providing me with the documentation requested in this letter, informing me that you have ceased collection efforts on the alleged debt, or stating that you are taking a specific action in relation to the debt. Any further contact should be made in writing, and should be submitted to my home address by mail.
Why not return to the clinic, ask them what's the deal and offer to settle. They'll probably tell you it's too late but you never know. Did you change addresses after the visit?
That would definitely be my preference if that could happen, but I would imagine that they just cannot accept payment for this by now. I'm no accountant, but I would imagine at this is off their books altogether.
Is this a stand alone - or part of a large hospital system?
Most of the latter won't credit report, and that's an important component.
If you've already been credit reported, paying the debt doesn't help. In fact, it resents the 7 year clock for it showing in your record.
Most of the latter won't credit report, and that's an important component.
If you've already been credit reported, paying the debt doesn't help. In fact, it resents the 7 year clock for it showing in your record.
when it goes to collection, I never pay the collection agency, always the original party. These clinics send it to collection agencies quickly. One bill does not show up in the mail and you have people calling. Annoying.
It may not actually be a collection agency. St Joes in Bryan used to have a collection service that they presented as separate but when you called the clinic they still owned the debt and would take payment. You'd get like 2 bills from them then calls and bills for about 3-4 months from the "second company" before it actually went to collections. Point being I'd start with the clinic to see if they've charged it off or not.
The federal government was never meant to be this powerful.
Sounds similar to an experience my daughter had when she visited an urgent care clinic at school. Never received a bill in the mail from the clinice, 14 months after visit received a "collection letter" from a third party. Called the clinic and they said their systems messed up and they didn't bill some items over a few months and they wrote those charges off. She added that insurance generally limits their ability to bill after 12 months. I sent letter to collection group telling them the issue is closed and not to send any more notices. End of story.LOYAL AG said:
It may not actually be a collection agency. St Joes in Bryan used to have a collection service that they presented as separate but when you called the clinic they still owned the debt and would take payment. You'd get like 2 bills from them then calls and bills for about 3-4 months from the "second company" before it actually went to collections. Point being I'd start with the clinic to see if they've charged it off or not.
Over a year ago I went to the urgent care to get stitches. A week later I went back to get them taken out. When I checked in I asked if the visit was free, if not, I'd cut them out myself. They said yes, it's included in the original visit.
Well, got a bill for it. Called the system (Memorial Herman) and they said no problem, they'll remove it. Instead, they sent it to collections.
Every 3-6 months I'll get a call or email from the collection agency. I tell them it's not a valid bill, explain the situation, don't hear back for 3 months and repeat.
So damn annoying.
Well, got a bill for it. Called the system (Memorial Herman) and they said no problem, they'll remove it. Instead, they sent it to collections.
Every 3-6 months I'll get a call or email from the collection agency. I tell them it's not a valid bill, explain the situation, don't hear back for 3 months and repeat.
So damn annoying.