Medical Debt in Collections

[Kennie02]

I have four accounts in collections from my c/h. It is not a lot of money. The accounts total $331. I did not pay these because my c/h refused to bill my secondary insurance.  My secondary insurance was willing to pay these charges to my c/h. I have read about the HIPPA dispute letter procedure but am reluctant to pursue this method because the c/h is my current employer. Would it be in my best interest to choose a PFD method? I am unsure of what would be the best method to delete these from my credit report. 

[Booner72]

What is c/h?

Your employer put these bills on your credit reports?  Wow that is a toughie.    There are many PFD letter examples here - use the search box above and put it "EXAMPLE PFD".

[Kennie02]

Sorry for the confusion... My clinic/hospital... But yes I also work for them

[Booner72]

Why don't you just go talk to the business office about clearing this matter up?

[LIGHTNIN]

Who is reporting...the OC/hospital or a CA or both?  Did they give you a reason why, they refused to bill your secondary insurance?

This may work or may not,Try asking the 2nd insurance company if you can file the claim yourself.

See if all they need is the medical records and the billing statement or copy of charges.

HIPAA only works if the OC was paid.

Find out who owns the debt.

Contact the OC, ask if they still own it and are willing to accept payment.Also ask if they will call back the debt from the CA.

Try to get it in writing before paying,of course.

[kjm79]

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@Booner72 wrote:

Why don't you just go talk to the business office about clearing this matter up?

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+1 I'd start there as well.  Also, when a provider refuses to bill your secondary insurance, you can ask the provider for a bill and then submit the bill yourself.  They won't refuse a payment from a secondary provider.  When and if that doesn't clear things up, I'd try the HIPAA process.  My bet is the collection department isn't aware of your employment status . 

[Kennie02]

I contacted the OC and because the debt is over 6 months old they are unable to take any payment from me. Also my secondary insurance will not pay for any services rendered longer than 1 year ago. I am really confused as to what to do next. Should I start with the HIPPA letter or attempt a PFD w/ Progressive Management Systems?

[LIGHTNIN]

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@Kennie02 wrote:
I contacted the OC and because the debt is over 6 months old they are unable to take any payment from me. Also my secondary insurance will not pay for any services rendered longer than 1 year ago. I am really confused as to what to do next. Should I start with the HIPPA letter or attempt a PFD w/ Progressive Management Systems?

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Yes, that is true with most insurance companies, you only have 1 year to file a claim.

The HIPAA process only works if the OC is paid,and since the OC no longer owns the debt or is refusing to accept payment, then  the only option I see, is to try for a PFD.

ETA....Suggest reading if you havent already.....What Steps Do I Take?Do I DV?PFD?

[Kennie02]

I sent off 2 PFD for 2 of the Accts yesterday. Im not sure if I should have done all four so I decided to give it a try with 2 at first. I'm hoping to have success. Wish me luck!!

I did read that post but was reluctant to follow any of that advice because it states it's not for debt collections....

[Booner72]

Good Luck Kennie!  My stupid medical bills are all paid to the CA, too.    Never knew about HIPAA til TOOOO late.