Can I keep a collection from reporting?

[penelopeliam]

On 7/19 I pulled annual free Experian report, everything was fine, I have never had any delinquent/late/negative accounts or records

On 7/23 received collection notice from equalizeRCM services, dated 7/17, for a $29 bill from 2008, from my current doctor's office

What steps do I need to take to keep this off of my credit reports, and keep it from negatively affecting FICO?

I already own a home, but am planning on taking out private student loans starting in June of 2013 and don't want a score drop.

Thanks!

[rootpooty]

wow a 29 dollar bill. such scavengers lol. anyways tell them you will take care of this debt right now with an agreement they wont report. some ca's just dont report or thats what ive been told. the last 2 bills i took care of told me they dont report that they just wanted thier money so ymmv

[Repo-ed]

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@rootpooty wrote:

wow a 29 dollar bill. such scavengers lol. anyways tell them you will take care of this debt right now with an agreement they wont report. some ca's just dont report or thats what ive been told. the last 2 bills i took care of told me they dont report that they just wanted thier money so ymmv

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Tmobile sent me to collections for $5 back in 1998, while I was deployed to Kuwait.

Thankfully when I called the CA, the girl I spoke to laughed at the CO, took my payment (PAID WAY MORE THAN $5 to place the call), and laughed at the collection.  Never saw a negative TL from them.