How to dispute credit report error.

[Anonymous]

Hello.

  I had a bill from my drs office from back in 2016. Recieved this bill back at that time and called them, as it should have been covered by my insurance company. When I called, apparently they didnt have my updated insurance card on file, as i had recently replaced my lost card so it was the same ins, just a different set of numbers. I gave them the info and they "submitted"  it apparently. Fast forward to late January 2019 and I get this same bill from a collection agency?!! Then a week later, it shows up on my credit report, dropping it 80 points! I was devastated as I have worked very hard the past 3 years to bring my scores to low 500s to mid 700s. So, I called quest (where the bill was from) and they looked into it and seen that it was indeed submitted wrong to the ins co. They submitted it with myself as the primary card holder when it should have been my husband. So 3 weeks ago, she resubmitted it to the ins co and as of today, it is paid in full thru insurance. Now, where do i go from here to get this removed from my credit report? Im not sure the steps to take to make this happen. I dont want it on my report as paid or closed, i want it completely removed so my scores can go back up. If anyone has any information for me as to how to do this, i would so greatly appreciate it! Thank you in advance for any and all help in this matter!

[RobertEG]

The CRAs, as a result of a settlement in a civil action by the offices of the AG of multiple states, has recently published new policies related to collections on medical debt.

First, they will not include any reported medical collection in credit reports they issue until the debt has reached at least 180 days delinquent, and second, if the debt is ultimately paid via medical insurance, they will remove as policy.

I would simply send the CRA proof that the medical debt was paid via insurance, and request that they delete based on their new internal policy and settlement agreement.

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for that reply, very imformative! Quick question. Can i call them and make this request or do I need to write them? When i spoke with Quest, they did tell me if i needed anything to send to transunion they would provide that no problem for me. But was wondering if they would speak to me over the phone? Then if they tell me I need to send something over to them I will. Never called a credit bureau before so was not sure how that worked. Thank you!

[RobertEG]

The CRA is not likely to simply take your word that the medical debt was paid via insurance.

You can always call and ask, but since payment via insurance is a factual issue, I would assume they will require some proof before deletiing the collection on a mere assertion.

[Anonymous]

RobertEG 

    Just wanted to come back and let you know I sent in a dispute with transunion online and within 5 days it was removed from my credit report and it went back up 91 pts! Lost 80 and back up 91! Thank you for all of your help! I feel so much better now! :-)