Assistance with potential medical judgement

[ReachingMyGoals]

I received a summons for medical bill.  Not sure how to proceed.  Just know either have to make an arrangement by the 6th or show in court.  The bill is not that large, but for me it's huge.  What are my options. I definitely don't want to go to court for it to be a judgement.

Please advise...expert advice welcomed.  

[mamatried]

Plan to appear or you're guaranteed a full judgement against you. 

Can you afford to make payment arrangements or settle? Anyway you can borrow or scrap something together to pay it beforehand?

Judgements stay on for 7-10 years depending on your state so if there's anyway to avoid it, you have to try. If you get one against you, you'll only be able to get the extreme subprimes (eg. credit one, first premier, secured) until you get it cleaned up. 

Save absolutely any documentation on this if you do get it paid up as it could come back from the dead down the road. 

[gdale6]

I would come to terms to make payments to avoid the judgment. If it gets to court its most likely going to appear on your CR and add to the problem, a paid judgment remains on file for 7 years from time its granted unless its vacated.