Opt-out/Opt-in for HIPAA

[tonsers]

I'm just about  to start the HIPAA letter writing process on behalf of my father.  I see that the first step is to opt-out of credit reports, etc.  His concern is - if he needs to apply for credit before this process is complete - is he able to opt back in?  How long would that take?

TIA for your help!  

[fused]

Opting out does not prevent anyone from appying for credit, it simply helps prevent new or future creditors from offering credit.

[tonsers]

OK.  I guess, then, I don't understand why you need to opt-out of credit reports before before starting the HIPAA process?

I'm sorry if this has been covered a million times before, the "rebuilding board" is new to me... I'm reading non-stop and I'll get up to speed soon!  

[fused]

Step #1: You must Opt Out of two things: Your Credit Reports and All Creditors. The first one ensures that the CRAs will not sell your personal data to anyone else (haha…no more data mining). The second one will prevent JDBs (and CAs) from buying and selling bogus collections.

Use this link to opt-out of your credit reports

OPT-OUT CREDIT REPORTS (or call 1.888.567.8688)

Use this link to opt-out from all of your CURRENT creditors that you're in GOOD standing with. Do not attempt to opt-out with any CAs or current creditors that you're in BAD standing with (i.e. charge-offs).

OPT-OUT ALL CREDITORS

[Mark_in_Pasadena]

I'm reading up on this to remove an unpaid $250 unrecognized medical collection from my wife's credit report.

I have the same question which hasn't been answered.  Why can't I start at step #2 of the HIPAA process?  I don't see how not performing step #1: OPT-OUT would prevent me from doing all the other steps successfully.

Step #1: Opt-Out, while it's a thing that most of us should do anyways appears to be completely unnecessary for purposes of HIPAA-method clean up.

Please explain to me how NOT doing step #1: Opt-out would prevent at successful HIPAA dispute?

Message Edited by Mark_in_Pasadena on 12-12-2008 12:26 PM

[fused]

Opting out does not guarantee you will be successful when using the HIPAA process. Opting out with the CRAs and with current creditors helps prevent the exchange of information about you with parties that have no business accessing your PHI (protected health information). I can't tell you how many times a valid med collection gets paid and maybe even deleted, then some other CA comes along and reports the same collection as unpaid. It's ridiculous!

[Anonymous]

I am in the same boat as you are.  I just started this HIPPA process so I am a bit confused.  However its step 2 i am confused about.  I have completed step 1 and opted out.  Step 2 is where you have lost me.  For instance I have 2 PAID med collections on my report.  As i understand it, send them the OPT - OUT letter and that should complete their business association with me therefore, hopefully ending with a deletion.  Is that right?

The 2nd problem is i have junk companies  that keep buying this phone bill for 220 with att. It has been deleted off my report 4x now and just recently its reappeared.  AGAIN!!!  Do I wait until I get that collection off, because i know they wont be able to verify it since it really isnt mine.  And how do i know who to send Step 2 opt out letter to once it is deleted so it doesnt keep getting bought. 

[fused]

Welcome to the forums!

Please start a new thread.