Removing medical debt collection item

[Anonymous]

I open this topic to ask for advices & also to summary the steps that I took or will take for others that in the same situation.

I recently found out that I messed up and didn't pay 1 hospital bill (thought that insurance cover it). It's $600 & the debt has already been sold to a CA. They reported it as a collection item. It's the only negative mark on my credit report, and I would like to have it removed. However, now that it's in the credit report, paying it alone doesn't help. I have send them an pay for delete letter about 15 days ago, offering to pay $500 (original amount without the tacked on interest). However, I haven't heard anything back from them yet.

What do you guy recommend I do to remove this collection item?

[DVH1980]

Keep trying. I assume you already validated the debt or know that it is in fact yours? I would wait a couple more weeeks for a reply and then try again. I would even agree to PIF if they would delte the record, trust me, its worth the extra 100 bucks to have it gone. I have been trying to get an old paid utliltiy removed and Im on letter #12. Just keep trying, try different people and maybe emails and faxes.

[Anonymous]

It's a valid debt that I have overlooked. My first time going to a hospital, and I didn't know that they bill seperately. The doctor sent the bill right away, and I paid. Then appearantly, the hospital sent another bill a month or two later. I didn't found out until getting a credit report. I don't mind paying, including the ridiculus interest that the CA charge. However, I won't pay a dime if they don't agree on removing the negative mark.

I disputed it with the 3 CRA. It's probably won't help thou. I haven't asked for a validation yet. Is it possible to use HIPPA law to force a removal? Anyone has success using that method?

[MarineVietVet]

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@Anonymous wrote:

It's a valid debt that I have overlooked. My first time going to a hospital, and I didn't know that they bill seperately. The doctor sent the bill right away, and I paid. Then appearantly, the hospital sent another bill a month or two later. I didn't found out until getting a credit report. I don't mind paying, including the ridiculus interest that the CA charge. However, I won't pay a dime if they don't agree on removing the negative mark.

I disputed it with the 3 CRA. It's probably won't help thou. I haven't asked for a validation yet. Is it possible to use HIPPA law to force a removal? Anyone has success using that method?

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Welcome to the forums.

The HIPAA process only works once you have paid the OC (Original Creditor). Unfortunately we can't go into great detail about HIPPA ( legal considerations) but if you do an internet search you can find more information.

From a BK years ago to:
EX - 3/11 pulled by lender- 835, EQ - 2/11-816, TU - 2/11-782

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem".

[Anonymous]

Update:

The debt was $570. I sent in a pay for delete letter offering $500. Today, I receved a letter from them offering to pay for delete at $655 (tack on about $80 interest & fee).

The letter said they must received the payment by 2:00 pm on September 30 (kinda rush given that today is 27) or the offer is void. Should I take it? And anything I should be aware of?

[Booner72]

Keep a copy of the letter they sent saying they would delete it FOREVER.

Western Union them the money and keep a copy of the wire or whatever Western Union gives (that indicates date/time sent) FOREVER.

Yes definitely take the deal.  But CYA.  Congrats!

[sassymomof2]

Most CA work on a monthly basis. Meaning, they want their collections paid by the end of the month so they can meet their collection quota. I would take the offer and run with it. You may not get the chance again.