Is there really any recourse to collections of invalid billing?

[Anonymous]

In March of 2005, I went to the doctor twice. Subsequently, I got at least 8 invoices from a medical lab for test services on those two dates. I paid my deductibles, copays, etc. Two of the lab invoices were submitted 3 times to the insurance company, who refused payment as they were duplicates for which the lab had already been paid.

To this date, the two invoices (total of $228) are listed on my CR as two collections (the only two on my report). I spent hours on the phone with Ins. co. and Lab acc. rec. to no avail. Yes, I disputed them and each has under comments "Consumer disputes this account information, Medical". Big deal. They are still there. Even if I paid them, it wouldn't improve my score. I have been damaged.

To add insult to injury, through "contractual agreements" the Ins. Co. paid only half of the billed price (on most invoices) though I was expected to pay in full. Further, I suspect the Lab sold the collections for 10 cents on the dollar to the collection agency (who cares not that the invoices are invalid). What can be done?  

[fused]

Google medical collections or the HIPAA process.

[MattH]

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@Anonymous wrote:

In March of 2005, I went to the doctor twice. Subsequently, I got at least 8 invoices from a medical lab for test services on those two dates. I paid my deductibles, copays, etc. Two of the lab invoices were submitted 3 times to the insurance company, who refused payment as they were duplicates for which the lab had already been paid.

To this date, the two invoices (total of $228) are listed on my CR as two collections (the only two on my report). I spent hours on the phone with Ins. co. and Lab acc. rec. to no avail. Yes, I disputed them and each has under comments "Consumer disputes this account information, Medical". Big deal. They are still there. Even if I paid them, it wouldn't improve my score. I have been damaged.

To add insult to injury, through "contractual agreements" the Ins. Co. paid only half of the billed price (on most invoices) though I was expected to pay in full. Further, I suspect the Lab sold the collections for 10 cents on the dollar to the collection agency (who cares not that the invoices are invalid). What can be done?  

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You don't say which State, but in cases like this that can be very important because the laws about whether and how a medical provider may attempt to collect fees that exceed what the insurance company deems "reasonable and customary" vary wildly in different States.