I need help with HIPPA process!

[Anonymous]

I've got a couple of questions about how the hippa works. I have read the thread about hippa, but have some questions. 1. Should I send the pre hippa letter to the cra's about all the medical claims on my reports, even though some I can't pay at the moment, because they are in the thousands of dollars. Or should I only send the pre hippa about the paid accounts, and the ones I could go ahead and pay right away. I guess what I'm asking is will me asking the cra's about an account I can't pay at the moment, will that turn it into a negative situation for myself.

2. Make sure you HAND ADDRESS the envelope, use personalized stationery and purple or teal font, ( preferably italic). I don't understand this sentence. Does this mean I am supposed to write the letter or should I type it like all other letters? These are my top 2 questions at the moments, but ofcourse if someone could explain the whole thing in more detail I would appreciate it. Thanks for any help.

[fused]

Hi Scorpio and Welcome to the forums!

1.) Yes, only start the HIPAA process with collections that are marked as paid, or collections that you can pay in full. For collections that you can't pay in full, the HIPAA process is not applicable.

2.) You can type the letter, but be sure to use handwriting on the envelop. Most disputes, non-med collections or not, are verified by the CRA's electronically...aka, E-Oscar. By following the font and stationary guidelines, it helps to avoid this dreaded E-Oscar method of verification (MOV). For more info on just how the dirty E-Oscar verification process works, check-out the link below.

http://www.e-oscar.org/

[Anonymous]

I have some more questions about the 2nd step of the HIPPA process:

Do I send the Opt-Out letter to both OCs and CAs? What if I have numerous collections for one CA and only one account is in good standing? Do I send the opt-out letter noting only that paid account? Will the CA become more aggressive regarding the unpaid accounts if I do this? 

[fused]

Only opt-out with creditors that you are completely in good standing with. So, if you have two accounts with one creditor and one is in good standing and the other is in bad standing, do not opt-out with them. Never try opting-out with a CA, its just a waste of time.

[Anonymous]

So the Opt-Out letters go only to the OCs and only those where every account is in good standing?

[fused]

Yes, but never, ever to CAs tho.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help! It is a confusing process and I want to make sure I do it correctly.

[Anonymous]

Oops! One more question....

What about medical bills that were satisfied in Civil Judgments? Can those be removed using the HIPAA process, as well? 

[fused]

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BethJ wrote:

Oops! One more question....

What about medical bills that were satisfied in Civil Judgments? Can those be removed using the HIPAA process, as well? 

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Unfortunately, public records were exempted from HIPAA's privacy rules. The only way you have a shot at removing a med judgment would be if the following are true:

1.) you have (or can get) certified copies of BOTH the recorded judgment and the recorded release

2.) you don't have any address on your credit reports that was your address when the judgment was filed

[Anonymous]

I have completed both Opt-Out steps and I'm now getting ready to send the HIPAA form letter to the orig health care provider. Most of my collections are "Paid" but they are still appearing in my credit reports...do I just disregard using any of the inserts? What if I do not remember which of my family members or the dates of the original service?

Beth