CA response to the "HIPAA Alternate Med DV to CA" Letter

[mberry117]

I got my green cards back yesterday.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Thunderseven]

I received my green card on Monday the 9th and the response from the original health care provider today.  They confirmed that there is "no outstanding balance due", and that the CA confirmed the same.  They also stated "no PHI" was released.

This is what the last paragraph of their letter states.  It still kind of leaves me with one concern and I'll bring that up afterward:

"I have advised the CA regarding your request that any information relating to your account be removed from their records, and that we have no objections.  Please be aware that although we have a business associate agreement with the CA, that agreement does not give us the authority to tell them how to operate their business or to comply with agencies having regulatory authority over them."

The concern I have is, does this mean that the CA has to remove it from my CR's as well, or can they still choose to leave it ther?  Since they're being "advised" by the OC to remove it from their records, it does not specifically mention the CR's.  By records, does this imply CR's too?

[Anonymous]

I would be interested in knowing the answer to this question as I am in the exact same boat!

[Thunderseven]

Can any of the Mod's answer the question in my earlier post regarding the letter I received today from the OC?  Thanks!!! 

'The concern I have is, does this mean that the CA has to remove it from my CR's as well, or can they still choose to leave it ther?  Since they're being "advised" by the OC to remove it from their records, it does not specifically mention the CR's.  By records, does this imply CR's too?'

[fused]

After reading the OC's response to your letter, its unclear what they will ask the CA to do. Call the OC and speak with the person who wrote you the letter. And, whatever you do, save the letter from the OC. The OC admits their relationship with the CA as it pertains to you, even though the collection is paid.

[Thunderseven]

Glad I wasn't the only one that couldn't make heads-or-tails out of their response.  I'll give it until next Wednesday then I'll either update CCT or run another report here.  Oh wait, that's right, I can't get EX here anymore.  I still think that's a crock.  I'll update the CCT and see if it post any type of change to the account.  This is my last baddie and what a PITA it has been trying to get it removed.  I'll provide you with an update next week.  Thanks!!!

[Thunderseven]

Fused,

I just did an update on CCT and the account is still reporting.  I'm just curious, could the letter I received from the OC be sufficient to have the CRA's remove the accounts, or does it have to be from the CA since they're the ones still reporting it?  I would think that the OC would have more pull then the CA, wouldn't they?  What are your thoughts since the OC admits their relationship with the CA, they admit that it's a paid account and that it's a medical account?  Should I try the CRA's again?

[fused]

I'm not sure if you should dispute again with EX and TU and attach the OC's letter, or if you should file a HIPAA complaint against the OC with the OCR (Office of Civil Rights). I'm leaning towards the latter. However, its possible that the CRAs might interpret the OC's letter to you as a request by them to have the CA delete the med collection.

Let me get back with you.

[Thunderseven]

Thanks!!!  I'll hold off on doing anything until I hear back from you.

[mberry117]

When I sent my letters to the OC, I still had one more baddie to pay to them.  I got a receipt yesterday from the hospital, and the check has been cashed.  I looked at my reports and the last baddie now says, closed and paid by the CA.  But all 3 are still there!!  Besides the receipt, I haven't hear anything else.