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RE: Medical bills - 7/29/2008 6:04:04 PM
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relady
Posts: 1281
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Greater St. Louis Metro
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quote:
I really want to pay the bill-I am not disputing it in the least. I ALWAYS dispute ANYTHING that makes it to a collection agency. Even if I know I owe it. I will speak to them once, tell them I have no idea what the item it and tell them to send me a bill, that I will not even discuss it until I see something in writing from them.
My second step is to formally dispute the bill in writing and demand that they give me an itemized statement of what they are trying to collect. Why? Because they have 30 days to comply with that request and until they do, they are forced by law to take it off your credit report. Do they always? No. But you are creating a paper trail that protects your rights. Your rights are not protected unless you do this in writing.
quote:
Should I at least call and ask for a statement? I have not seen anything in the mail from them. Absolutely, and don't back down. Make them send you a statement detailing all the charges and don't pay them a cent until they do.
Sometimes they will tell you they have mailed a statement and it's an out and out lie. Just don't send them anything or agree to anything until you have protected your rights under the law in writing.
BTW, there is something called a "cease and desist letter" that I have used to make them stop calling. It actually forces them to either leave you alone or to sue you. Collection agencies don't usually sue....lawyers do. So if you are getting letters from a lawyer, take it very seriously. Otherwise, you can be in charge of what's going on. Don't let them rattle you...that is what they get paid to do.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/29/2008 6:32:33 PM
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agapetos
Posts: 5394
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From: This side of the lil duck pond!
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quote:
Anyone think it would be a good idea to contact the cardiologist and the ER doc and see if they would be willing to cut the bill a bit? Garsy, absolutely yes, it's worth it! They may say no, in which case you're going to be no worse off. They may say yes.
Just be clear when you write and explain the circumstances etc.
Jenny, I'm glad that you've spoken with the ca and beginning to get things sorted.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 10:26:41 AM
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stellaluna
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Just for the record, it's not about not paying a medical bill you owe. It's about protecting your credit report (which is very important in this day and age) and making sure that the law is being followed. It is quite possible that the CA is unlawfully attempting to collect the money you owe. It is quite possible that you could force them to stop collecting and you could pay the doctor directly--that's your best move.
Also, CAs are notorious for using scare tactics and lies to get you to pay money you may not owe them. That is why you have to be very careful about talking to them on the phone or giving them credit card and bank account numbers.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 10:30:37 AM
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Jenny-Fair
Posts: 6288
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From: WA
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I really don't think that is happening here. I called the doc's finance office and they gave me the name and number of the CA and said they would NOT recall the debt. The CA isn't even tacking on any fees. I really think it would be wrong to fight what seems to be a very reasonable request--that I pay the bill I incurred. I can understand having things in writing (which is why I told them I would be waiting to see their statement), and requesting that they remove it from my credit report, but beyond that I think it would be unreasonable to fight a bill that is rightfully mine.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 12:19:48 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7968
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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I could be wrong, but I don't think anyone is suggesting you fight the bill. I think the idea is to make sure you have everything in writing and protect your legal rights.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 12:23:00 PM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4254
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quote:
ORIGINAL: cynthia
I could be wrong, but I don't think anyone is suggesting you fight the bill. I think the idea is to make sure you have everything in writing and protect your legal rights.
That's all I'm wanting to help you do. No matter how nice the people at the CA are or appear to be, it may still be illegal for them to collect your medical debt and to report it negatively on your credit report.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 12:51:15 PM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4254
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Because the law protects your privacy when it comes to medical bills and debt. There are many occasions that CAs buy debts that, by law, they are not allowed to collect--although that does also fall back on the doctor's office. If they are not allowed to collect a debt, then they are also not allowed to put a negative on your credit report, even though they might do it anyway. It's as simple as that.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 12:59:34 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7968
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From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
Because the law protects your privacy when it comes to medical bills and debt. There are many occasions that CAs buy debts that, by law, they are not allowed to collect--although that does also fall back on the doctor's office. If they are not allowed to collect a debt, then they are also not allowed to put a negative on your credit report, even though they might do it anyway. It's as simple as that.
I agree with stellaluna. I don't think you should try to make anyone's life more difficult or try to get out of the debt. I do, however, think it is wrong for a doctor's office to turn over legally protected information (medical) to a collection agency. I'm fairly certain that is against the law. When a company is trying to collect a debt, that company has to tell you why you owe the debt. If they can't do that, they cannot collect. If they can do that and it's medical information, they have broken the law. I guess my point is that the doctor's office has an obligation to keep their medical records private. By turning a debt over to a CA, they don't really follow all of the legal protocol for debt collection.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t pay. I’m just stating that it is dishonorable for a doctor to turn over medical records, which, in order for a company to really collect, they must have. I think what’s probably happening (but this would have to be verified) is that the CA does not have your medical records, but will try to collect without an itemization of what you owe. If you were to refuse to pay based on that, I think the doctor’s office would have to either take the bill back or release you from your obligation. Again, no one is suggesting you try to get out of paying. We are only trying to explain what your rights are.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 1:02:42 PM
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Jenny-Fair
Posts: 6288
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From: WA
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I don't yet have a statement from the CA, but I do have one from the doc's billing office (which is in OH, and I am in WA, so it isn't like they are down the street or a place where this doctor actually goes at any time). All it says is, 'for physician services rendered at such and so hospital'. It doesn't say anything more than that, and neither will the CA's statement.
And, since I can't GET my credit report, I can't find out if they are reporting anything anyway. And since I did not get that job, I also can't pay this bill at the moment.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 6:26:41 PM
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macokjc
Posts: 264
Joined: 2/24/2008
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It is not illegal for doctor's office to turn to a collection agency to collect a debt. They are asking for a bill to be paid - and all bills have codes on them. That is not releasing medical information.
Around here, doctor's offices send several past-due notices before they turn the bill over. The prudent thing to do is to contact your office before that happens. It's not like getting a bill from a collection agency should come as big surprise.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 7:13:34 PM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4254
Joined: 4/11/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: macokjc
It is not illegal for doctor's office to turn to a collection agency to collect a debt. They are asking for a bill to be paid - and all bills have codes on them. That is not releasing medical information.
It is not illegal if they do what you say, but many don't. All we want is for her to be sure and to protect her credit rating.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/30/2008 7:47:21 PM
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GregandJenny
Posts: 619
Joined: 2/16/2006
From: Near Seattle Washington
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^^^ Then as she has said she would do the honorable thing and pay the bill.
God bless you jenny!
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RE: Medical bills - 7/31/2008 2:07:14 AM
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relady
Posts: 1281
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Greater St. Louis Metro
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I agree with just about everything posted out here. It's not about whether or not you owe the bill. It's about whether the law is being followed in the collection practices and protecting your rights under the law. Just because you owe a bill does not relieve the other parties of their obligations under the law. It is always a good idea to do everything you can to protect your rights. I am currently in the middle of countersuing a company that is trying to collect money from me that "legally" they probably have a right to collect, but because of some of their underhanded unethical business practices they commonly use it is my opinion that they do not DESERVE to collect the money. They are using a loophole in the law that was never intended to be there. But we shall see who will prevail. It is such a large amount that I could never pay it off, and it could ruin me financially for the rest of my life. I'll actually resort to bankruptcy before I let them get any of the money. Companies do NOT always play by the rules -- so just because you do owe the money doesn't mean they can do whatever. Just watch out for yourself and it will all work out.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/31/2008 6:27:52 AM
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agapetos
Posts: 5394
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From: This side of the lil duck pond!
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I agree that rights must be protected. However, suggesting that someone makes NO contact with the CA (or other) is not always the best way to go about it. Even if what the CA is doing is not legal, it's worth contacting them to say, at the very least, you aren't ignoring them ~ you don't need to give them any financial information (cards etc) or agree to anything they want to push you into. If they don't listen, politely tell them that you are dealing with the issue and will write to them shortly and hang up the phone. Then put the whole thing in writing to confirm it and mail them a copy.
Jenny, I'm really sorry that you didn't get the job.
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Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not using them in fruit salads!
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RE: Medical bills - 7/31/2008 10:00:17 AM
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Jenny-Fair
Posts: 6288
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: WA
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quote:
Jenny, I'm really sorry that you didn't get the job.
Thank you, Agape. I do start a new temporary job today (just found out last night) that doesn't pay well but does pay more than unemployment, and I am hoping it just holds me over until the job I really want comes along (it's so frustrating to apply on the 5th for a job opening that doesn't close until the end of today!). In any case, it's a blessing.
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Tony: Ziva, did you kill Houdini?
Ziva: It is possible. I do not remember all their names.
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RE: Medical bills - 7/31/2008 2:59:46 PM
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macokjc
Posts: 264
Joined: 2/24/2008
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[quote:
quote]^^ Then as she has said she would do the honorable thing and pay the bill.
God bless you jenny!
I agree - you are trying to do the right thing in spite of financial hardship, and that is admirable.
quote:
I am currently in the middle of countersuing a company that is trying to collect money from me that "legally" they probably have a right to collect, but because of some of their underhanded unethical business practices they commonly use it is my opinion that they do not DESERVE to collect the money.
I don't understand this - you either owe the money or you don't. Do I think the plumber deserved a few hundred bucks when it only took him 30 min. to unclog a drain? No, but that was his rate and I had agreed to pay. By not paying, you are saying that you deserve to receive goods or services for free that other people have to pay for. I have heard that CA are relentless and a pain. However, owing money should not come as a surprise. How many bills does one receive before it is turned over to collections. Dealing w/ a collection agency is almost always avoidable. You simply pay your bills on time or you make arrangements. My second child was in the NICU for a week when he was born, and our insurance only covered 80%. If we didn't have insurance - we would have paid nothing, because the state would have paid. However, we ended up owing over $8000. That's a lot for a young struggling family. We paid $20 to $30 a month on that think forever - but the hospital worked with us.
OP - Congratulations on your temporary job. May the Lord Bless you with a good paying one soon!
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RE: Medical bills - 8/2/2008 10:46:25 AM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4254
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: agapetos
However, suggesting that someone makes NO contact with the CA (or other) is not always the best way to go about it.
I want to make clear that I don't advocate not contacting the CA at all. I simply don't believe one should ever call a CA on the phone. By the time an account goes to a CA, there is no rush to pay it. Therefore, one can get a credit report, talk to the original creditor, etc. before worrying about the CA.
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RE: Medical bills - 8/2/2008 9:43:57 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1876
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I've read through this thread and I really don't see or hear anyone asking spiritual questions or giving godly counsel. All I am hearing is worldly dealings with a problem. Am I missing something here? Do we care how God says we are to live?
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RE: Medical bills - 8/2/2008 10:00:48 PM
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stellaluna
Posts: 4254
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: online
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I'm not sure what conflict there is in the advice given here and how God wants us to live.
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RE: Medical bills - 8/2/2008 10:10:23 PM
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PrincessDonna
Posts: 10416
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Cow country, Upstate NY
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stellaluna
I'm not sure what conflict there is in the advice given here and how God wants us to live.
Me either.
Unless liveloved is referring to the fact that the church should be supporting those who are single moms through no choice of their own. And if we, the body of Christ were doing our job this would not be an issue for Jenny in the first place.
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RE: Medical bills - 8/2/2008 10:25:12 PM
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cynthia
Posts: 7968
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Beautiful Puget Sound Region
Status: online
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ATTENTION: MODERATOR'S NOTE: ATTENTION
quote:
ORIGINAL: Liveloved
I've read through this thread and I really don't see or hear anyone asking spiritual questions or giving godly counsel. All I am hearing is worldly dealings with a problem. Am I missing something here? Do we care how God says we are to live?
The vast majority of questions on this site are not spiritual in nature, but they are answered from the point of view of mostly Christians. This has to be within our tos.
This post is off topic and has sparked an off topic discussion. Please get back to the topic.
Please do not reply to this message within the Community.
Please do not send me PMs regarding this message as I am unable to discuss it further.
Please email Community@salemwebnetwork.com with questions, comments, or concerns. Please allow time for a response.
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Why can't we discuss moderator action?
Sincerely,
Cynthia, Forums Volunteer
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RE: Medical bills - 8/3/2008 1:45:17 AM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1876
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I am sorry.
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RE: Medical bills - 8/5/2008 12:51:49 AM
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relady
Posts: 1281
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Greater St. Louis Metro
Status: offline
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quote:
I don't understand this - you either owe the money or you don't. Umm, actually, legally, if a company does not follow the legal methods of recouping their losses it can interfere with their ability and right to collect. Whether you owed the money in the beginning or not. I'm speaking strictly from a legal perspective, not moral.
The issue I'm embroiled in involves a second mortgage on a foreclosed home where the junior mortgage holder did not even make an attempt to recoup their money during the foreclosure process due to a loophole in the law that *apparently* allows them to sit on their duffs and then go after the person who has just lost their home. Since the home was collateral for the loan it would seem unfair that they can just do nothing to mitigate their damages and then sue a person who, if they could have paid the loan in first place, would have, lol. I am hearing more and more stories like this every day.
So, just to make it clear, even if someone owes money, a debt collector CAN legally break laws that will make it difficult if not impossible to actually collect the money or win a lawsuit, it you take the time to answer the lawsuit and deny the charges. I would recommend a good attorney, however.
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