Please Read!! - How should I handle?

[inquring_minds]

A law firm recently pulled my report and 7 days letter I received a letter asking to supply any payment information I have for an outstanding Dr's bill.  They indicated in the letter that they want to resolve without litigation (It is a co-payment they are referring to).

I spoke with my old insurance company and they are investigating if a "explanation of benefits" was sent to me indicating that a co-pay is in fact due.

In the meantime, I don't want this item placed on my report for collection -- how should I approach? what are my rights? should I dispute? Letter suggestions?

Desperately need an answer

[Anonymous]

---

inquring_minds wrote:

A law firm recently pulled my report and 7 days letter I received a letter asking to supply any payment information I have for an outstanding Dr's bill.  They indicated in the letter that they want to resolve without litigation (It is a co-payment they are referring to).

I spoke with my old insurance company and they are investigating if a "explanation of benefits" was sent to me indicating that a co-pay is in fact due.

In the meantime, I don't want this item placed on my report for collection -- how should I approach? what are my rights? should I dispute? Letter suggestions?

Desperately need an answer

---

Request a DV and in oreerto prevent negative consequences, if the amount is paid do so with the stipulation that not only wil there be no litigation but no credit reporting.

[inquring_minds]

Thank you Brammy - great suggestion!

[Anonymous]

IF I may suggest first get a letter or some thing from the insurance company stating they are investigating weather or not you were sent an EOB. Send this with the request for DV to the Lawyer. Now at the same time send a letter of explanation and a copy of the letter from insurance to the doctors office Attn whom ever does the accounting this gives you at least 30 days to play with. If you do have to make the co-pay don't say a word to the lawyer go to the doctors accountant and pay them the money in cash on the spot if possible. If not make an offer to pay as much as possible in cash and a written payment agreement signed by account. As soon as you get home contact the lawyer your self and tell them the matter has been resolved an they should call the doctors office and confirm. Any time you can remove the lawyer or collection agency from the picture the better off you will be. An it really makes them mad not to get to run another poor sucker through the ringer.

[inquring_minds]

Thanks for the good advice spike108!

[Anonymous]

As Spike said    first call you ins. co and be sure that you owe it....then as Brammy said  send DV  CMRRR

Also if they did a hard pull tell them to remove it!  They do not have PP

Message Edited by HappyDays on 10-03-2007 05:02 PM

[inquring_minds]

Thanks HappyDays I appreciate the valuable input!

Cheers

[SmartCookie]

---

inquring_minds wrote:

A law firm recently pulled my report and 7 days letter I received a letter asking to supply any payment information I have for an outstanding Dr's bill.  They indicated in the letter that they want to resolve without litigation (It is a co-payment they are referring to).

I spoke with my old insurance company and they are investigating if a "explanation of benefits" was sent to me indicating that a co-pay is in fact due.

In the meantime, I don't want this item placed on my report for collection -- how should I approach? what are my rights? should I dispute? Letter suggestions?

Desperately need an answer

---

There is someone on the boards very familiar with medical insurance but I can't for the life of me remember who right now.  I have heard, and only heard, that if the provider has the referral and forgets to collect the co-pay, they can't bill for anything.  I don't know how true this is but I believe there was SOME truth to it.  Sorry I don't have more on it than that.