Healthcare Savvy

There are a couple of consumer watchdog agencies along with your state’s attorney general office: (naag.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau […]

Yes, collection agencies are required to let you know before the conversation begins that they are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Yes, they should have […]

That’s too bad. You can file a formal complaint with the company that called you.

If you have an Agreement in writing between you and the hospital, talk again with the hospital’s financial services department head. If not, you may want to contact a consumer law attorney that specializes in debt […]

Payments made should be reflected on your account with the provider and or collection agency. Request an itemized statement and copies of receipts issued to you at the time of payment.

If there is a contractual clause between the provider and the insurance company regarding timely filing of claims, a provider can not bill the patient for the account balance if a timely filing issue is proved. […]

It depends in the collection agency’s contractual arrangements with your doctor as to whether or not the deb will be reported to a credit bureau. Yes, it is in your best interest to obtain a written payment plan […]

You may want to consult an attorney for advice and or a course of action.

Great question. Each state has a statute of limitation on collecting debt so refer to your state laws. Info can usually be found on the state’s attorney general’s website.

You may want to contact your provider and speak with the billing or practice manager to find out what happened. If they agree to recall the account from the collections agency, get the payment plan arrangements in […]

You may want to call the lab and have the bill recalled from the collection agency. If you know who you spoke with and when, be sure to reference in the call. Get all responses in writing so you have a trail.

This is a step in the right direction for consumers. Let’s trust other states will follow suit quickly.

You may want to contact your provider’s office in the interim.

It depends on your hospital’s financial policy and what agreement you have, in writing. Even then, we have seen some providers turn the account over to collections. It’s wise to communicate regularly with your provider.

It depends on the hospital’s policy, hospital type, and the state law that governs collection processes. Communicate regularly with your provider.