You are here:

Collections Law/medical bills collections

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/15/2008


Question
I have been paying 100 dollars a month on my medical bill. When I got the bill it was 600 and something. Now that it is down to 250 they sent it to collections. Since it has been paid on every month can they do this? If it goes onto my credit is that considered defamation? Is it worth getting a lawyer?

Answer
Todd,

I am afraid that you are not going to like my answer but, it's all I have.  The medical provider's bill came due in full at the date the services were rendered thus, the next day, it was "past due."  Unless you have a signed payment arrangement with them, they can turn your account over to collections and then to the credit reporting agencies.

Your best bet is to call them an try to make arrangements before this happens or to pay the bill in full either with the provider or the agency.  It is important that you call the agency within 30 days of receiving the first notice and try to resolve this.  I wish I had a better answer and I hope you can get this worked out to everyone's satisfaction.

Collections Law

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ray A Miller

Expertise

I am qualified to answer questions on the following subjects: FDCPA, FCRA and HIPAA as well as medical collections, general collections and collection agency related issues. I trained these subjects at a nationwide collection agency and customer service call center and audited around 150 representatives for compliance to the laws. I have been in the Collections Industry for over 30 years. I feel that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with compassion and that is the way I trained collectors. Even though I worked for a Collection Agency, I get great satisfaction in helping those who have been mistreated or in need of help with these confusing issues.

Experience

I was the Compliance Administrator with a nationwide collection agency and customer service call center-I have trained hundreds of collectors on the above referenced topics. I have been in the medical collections industry for over twenty years and research these topics on a daily basis.

Organizations
ACA International

Education/Credentials
Some college ACA Certified Collection Specialist

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.