Optimal utilization and trades in use for maximizing points?

[Anonymous]

I recently had some damage done to my score by medical debt collections (an insurance dispute, and bills that I never got because I moved addresses and was billed by the doctor separately. I was literally just made aware of some of this last week). I have four cards. My oldest is a Chase Southwest in 05/14. Two are new, my Freedom and my Cap 1 Quicksilver. The Amex I have is from 07/14, and will be closed soon because it's a Costco card, but I'll be getting the citi as a replacement. I have 36k in student loans, as well.

Here's the thing: I have 0 latest on any trades. The only derogs are the medical collections, that show as paid because insurance took care of them. Despite them last reporting in 11/15, my score has not gone up at all in the last few months. What can I do to change this? How should I utilize my cards? Should I let the statements cut to show that I'm using them? Should I do this for all four cards? I'm unsure of what to do at this point. My score is stagnant even with 0 utilization and perfect payment history.

Thanks for any help!

[Anonymous]

For the medical collections google the HIPAA Letter Process follow it exactly as laid out.  If you have problems finding the website or any questions PM me.  Getting rid of the medical collections will have the biggest impact on your scores.  For utilization, to maximize your scores let only one card show a balance and it should be less than ten percent of the cards credit limit however if you are not going to be applying for anything soon it really doesn't matter.

[Anonymous]

I looked over the HIPAA process, and I'm very confused about a few things. It tells me to have the account number and the original balance. I can find the names of the original creditors by calling them back, but one of them refuses to give me the balance that was owed because it was now with the collection agency. How am I supposed to get this information for the remittance if they won't tell me? Also, It's a doctor's billing service and not a hospital.

[gdale6]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I looked over the HIPAA process, and I'm very confused about a few things. It tells me to have the account number and the original balance. I can find the names of the original creditors by calling them back, but one of them refuses to give me the balance that was owed because it was now with the collection agency. How am I supposed to get this information for the remittance if they won't tell me? Also, It's a doctor's billing service and not a hospital.

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Unfortunately the HIPAA Process cannot be discussed on this board, if you have questions about it please contact its creator for help thats all we can tell you to do on it. I will give you my order of dealing with medical collections.

For unpaid medical debt that is reporting on your CR:

1. Call the OC and see if you qualify for Charity Care
2. If not then ask that they recall the collection in exchange for full payment
3. Send the reporting CA a PFD offer
4. Google the HIPAA Process and contact its creator for help

[Anonymous]

Thanks for that info! I wasn't aware about not discussing HIPAA. I'll follow those other steps first. I actually already did that with the paid collections and they may be removed soon, as the OC billing office said they were requesting this since it was paid by insurance. The other doctor billing OC has put in the request to remove the debt from collections and then I will pay them. So hopefully I won't need the HIPAA process. But we'll see.

Thanks again!