Medical bill mistakingly sent to collections—what happens now?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| I’ve been dealing with a charge from an urgent care that was paid in early December, but they claimed they didn’t receive it, even though my online account said “paid”. Just before Christmas, I spoke to someone on the phone and they said they saw it was paid and they would mark it as such and to disregard any further correspondence. Today I receive a letter that it was sent to collections and I have until 2/10 to dispute it! So what does this mean for my credit? How do I even prove to them that it’s paid? They gave me a number to call but they are closed. |
Anonymous
|
Medical bills can't affect your credit score.
|
Anonymous
|
Take a breath. I have been here before (for similar reason).
What do you have to show you paid? A cancelled check? A receipt? A charge on your credit card? |
Anonymous
I have a receipt from the online portal, which was how I paid. I also have the statement from the HSA account I used to pay showing the charge. |
Anonymous
|
They have to substantiate the debt. I would communicate only in writing, show that you paid, and ask for proof that it's not paid.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-a-debt-collector-contacts-me-about-a-debt-i-already-paid-or-dont-think-i-owe-en-1403/ |
Anonymous
That’s a relief. Are you sure, because they sure make it sound like it will! I’m freaking out! |
Anonymous
| dispute it. |
Anonymous
Thank you. They did send a form I could fill out. I’m assuming I just send copies of the two things I mentioned? |
Anonymous
Yep—those work. |
Anonymous
Thanks so much! You’ve really been a help. What a way to start the weekend! Since you’ve been there, what should I expect now? Will I hear back from them? How will I know it’s been resolved? |
Anonymous
| Dispute in writing. Disputing by telephone or email does not have same legal protections as in writing. Use USPS Certified Mail with return receipt. Keep copies of everything. Do not let them have any original copies of anything you might have. |
Anonymous
| NP. Also ask them to send you a statement confirming they see the bill was paid on time. You want a record that they've sorted this out and acknowledge their error in case this ever shows up anywhere. |
Anonymous
| I’d file suit for fraud and defamation. |
Anonymous
|
Thanks everyone for your help. I just mailed the letter (using the template someone provided here), dispute form, and accompanying paperwork proving it was paid. Do they typically respond? I mean, how do you know the status?
I’m even more annoyed that it cost almost as much to send the damn letter to them than the supposed unpaid bill; $7 to mail the damn thing to dispute a $30 bill. I hope that’s the end of it. Not too worried about it since they can’t report it, just hope they leave me alone now. |
Anonymous
OP please do not worry They are lying Call the medical office tell them you will sue them if they don’t straighten this out immediately and forward them the copies of your payment confirmation Collection agencies can not do anything about medical debt when they call ignore or block I would also write a ton of reviews online about this urgent care P,ease no worries it’s a pain to fix but they have no power |