topic Very interesting collection attempt in General Credit Topics

Very interesting collection attempt

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:50:48 GMT

The dentist we bring our children to was going through "new office manager" and bills were not all mailed out when they were suppose to be, when we called them explaining we had NOT gotten a bill for one of our recent visits. Then about 2 weeks later we got a letter from a collection agency for the DEBT!!!!

We called the dentist office again. The lady at the office remembered my husband and remembered the conversation. My husband said, "I am happy to pay the $400, please let me know how to handle this". She knew we had not received it in a timely manner.

She called back and told us it was out of their hands, we would have to pay the collection agency.

Interest owed to them, $200, so $600 for a $400 bill.

My husband explained the office's lack to get the bill out timely, and the collector ADMITTED others have gotten the collection form this office and have complained also.

The collector wanted the $600, and my husband flat out said, " I really can not pay $200 more for something that is NOT my fault, but am happy to send the $400". They of course refused.

She THEN told him, (which I do believe is against what a collector can do), "well I have your work number, I can just call you there". My husband said, "no you will not call me at work, I am asking you not to, and I do believe it is against the law". Her reply. "only if you fax us a letter saying we can not".

We are obviously FURIOUS. They do like to play games, don't they. It's ridiculous they wouldn't accept it. Do we wait a year for the "we will settle this debt for 45% letter", LOL..

Anyways, anyone have any knowledge for me on this.

Yes, we could have called the dentist to ask for the bill, but really life gets busy and with other appointment and life other things are on your mind.

Re: Very interesting collection attempt

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:08:59 GMT

This is not right-

I would call the office again and let them know to fix this or you will be contacting the BBB, the medical board and the local news.

This is probably illegal- I do not have specific data to say for sure it is.

If insurance paid any portion of this- I would sick the insurance company on them too.

Re: Very interesting collection attempt

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:02:12 GMT

I had a prob with my sons dentist almost like yours. It took 2 years to correct because I let it go and it was before I found this forum. I let mine off the hook.

Do as Timothy said. Also all prefessionals are licensed by the state...file a complaint with your state ags office.....call the offices that handle the pros. licensing.....get an address and mail CMRRR a complaint to them........most states will contact the dentist with in 2 weeks. They have a right to pull their license..........a dentist does not want to tangle with them.

Also IF you have ins. and the claims were not filed correctly....they will go after the dentist also.

Re: Very interesting collection attempt

Anonymous — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:59:53 GMT

How long was it before the Dentist sent it to collection? The dentist can fix this if they wanted to. They choose not to. You can always sue the dentist for damages.

Re: Very interesting collection attempt

TryingVeryHard — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:20:45 GMT

It would really nice to post the name of that dentist in here! LOL

Re: Very interesting collection attempt

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:38:10 GMT

i work for collections (capital one auto finance!) and if you say dont call my work then we cant cant call..plain and simple..a house number or cell phone? yea..cease and desist letter would be needed..but a place of employement...verbally from the customer or someone higher then the customer at the place of employment is all we have to hear to not be able to call..fdcpa violation for sure if they call your poe..

Re: Very interesting collection attempt

dragnldy — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:35:18 GMT

Boy, sounds almost like the mess the gas company here got into a short time ago. They were "updating" and most customers didn't receive bills for 3-5 months. The state had to get involved because the utility admitted it was their fault, but wanted all the customers to pay their back-bills asap or have their gas shut off. 4 months of winter gas bills to pay in one month. Yeah, right. I agree, contact the BBB and AG.