Medical debt not reporting

[RABQUE]

I found a medical collection letter from the OC for services I received in 2006 for $44.84. I currently have two collections on my CR for $75 and $129. I called the OC and asked if there was still a balance on the account for $44.84. The representative stated that the account was turned over to a collection agency called Extension Express. I do not recall ever receiving a collection notice from collection express and they are not currently on my CR.

My question is what should I do? Should I send the payment to the OC immediately?

[fused]

Do you know how long ago your account was assigned to the CA?

[RABQUE]

No unfortunately I dont. I assume i could contact the OC and ask them. Should I?

[fused]

This is tough. Paying this debt might get it reported on your credit reports. If you want to pay it, make sure you have hard copies of your reports showing there is no med collection on them. If the CA is sleazy enough to do this, having the collection removed later shouldn't be that difficult.

[fused]

One more thing, if you do decide to pay, only pay the OC, not the CA.

[RABQUE]

Thanks for the help. I am nervous about paying it…..I plan to buy a house within the next 4-5 months and I don’t want it to pop up on my report…..I guess at this point I will probably let the sleeping dog lay…..Let me ask you… to my knowledge I havent received a notice from the CA but If by chance I receive a notice from the CA…….Should I pay the OC Immediately with a restrictive endorsement?

[fused]

Some lenders don't care if you have a med collection on your reports, so long as its paid. But, it will lower your scores. I would leave it alone for now.

[RABQUE]

Yeah the score is what I was worrried about..But I am going to leave it alone and hopefully it doesnt show up...Thanks!

[fused]

Let us know if anything changes.