Hello, I know this topic is a common one. Ive been reading some older threads and I understand there are different strategys for taking care of these types of debts. I'm in the beginning stages of trying to build credit. I have no credit score at this moment but Im trying to get a couple secured credit cards. I'm thinking its a good idea to take care of some medical bills so I can move forward with my build...
I have three local hospitals and I owe each of them money. Additionally each hospitals doctors get paid separately. Who knew...
Hospital A) the bill is from 2014. I made payment arrangements with the outsourced payment recovery company. I don't believe it's a collection agency. I was told by the hospital and the company that if the outsourced company can not collect the bill then it will be returned to the hospital and then the hospital will send it to a collection agency.
i made an initial payment and set up payments for the 300 dollar balance.
Hospital B) the bills are from two visits during the summer of 2013. I talked with a lady in the billing department and she said that the hospital would not send the bill to a collection agency. They don't do that there. She was real easy going and basically said if I ever decide I want to pay it then give them a call back but they would not pursue the bill.
Hospital C) the bill is from a visit in March 2013. They sold the account to a collection agency. The bill is for 135 dollars. I dont believe it's on my credit report. According to a lending agent who recently ran my credit I have nothing newer then 2008 on my report except for some recent inquirys. I called the collection agency to attempt to pay it. They said it is on my credit report as of July 2013 and if I pay it it will be marked as payed. I asked about a pay for delete and they said I had to pay it and then send them a letter asking for it to be removed. The conversation started getting ugly towards the end.
Doctors A) from 2014. I made payment arrangements for 25 dollars per month. The bill is for about 400 dollars. The bill is recent so its not at a collection agency and they said as long as I make the payments it won't go to one.
Doctors B) from summer 2014. There were two hospital visits but the physician group could only see one bill for the doctors group for 125 dollars. They sold it to a collection agency and I left a message for them. I'm waiting to get a call back.
Doctors C) from summer 2014 for 140 dollars. This is in a collection agency. I left a message and I'm waiting to here back from them.
So yeah there are three hospitals and three groups of doctors. I am able to pay them off but with building credit in mind I want to make sure I do it the best possible way. As for hospital/doctors A, that's recent and the payment arrangements have been made so that's pretty much taken care of. Hospital B says they won't report me or send me to a collection so I'm not concerned about them to much although they are being cool about it which makes me want to make it right. Now Doctors B on the other hand is in collection.
my question is, what's the best way to handle these debts once the reach the collection agency? The amounts are minute but I don't want to pay them and have them on my report if there is a better way to do it. I'm focused on the long term for my credit goals but if I can get on track earlier the better. Any thoughts or insight on paying my medicals the best way would be appreciated. Thank you
