Question Regarding A Collection Not On My Report

[Anonymous]

The beginning of this month, I received a letter from a collection agency (I assume, CBCS) regarding a valid medical bill.

However, this collection is NOT currently on my credit report (I pulled my report earlier this month and also have not received any alerts).

Without discussing much regarding the HIPPA process, my understanding is part of it involves disputing with the credit reporting agency.

My question... What happens if I pay the CA right now?  Will it even show up on my credit report?  Would it better for me to wait until it's on my report, then follow the HIPPA process?

Any info is appreciated it.  Thanks.

EDIT... After looking through my records, it turns out this debt is from 2007 and was at a previous collection agency (Credit Management Company).  However, it's still not on my credit report.  What would cause it not to be on my report (at least my Equifax report)?  I'm currently thinking I should just pay the OC.  Then, if it pops up, dispute or get the CA to remove it.

Message Edited by WD on 02-10-2010 02:26 PM

[haulingthescoreup]

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WD wrote:
I'm currently thinking I should just pay the OC.  Then, if it pops up, dispute or get the CA to remove it.

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Bingo. If the OC will accept the payment (in full), the CA will have to go away.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info.

This may be a whole new topic, but if I mail a payment to the OC, do they have to accept?  From what I've read, I'm guessing no.

Should I contact the OC prior to sending the payment or just send it and hope for the best?