Medical collections/HIPAA process

[eiznik]

I have two paid medical accounts on my credit. I paid the hospital and not the collection agency even though the accounts had been sent to a collection agency. Now I want to have the paid accounts removed. From what I've read, I can try the HIPPA letter process, but it is very confusing. Can someone tell me what step to take FIRST? I have read all of the info on the HIPPA links.

[nayadi]

Thank you Chane. That's sad news, I'll keep Trish in my prayers. Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

[JaegerGentry]

Let me see if I understand the HIPAA method.

I have a medical bill that went to a third party CA thats still within the SOL I want to:

1) Send a medical dispute letter to the CRA's--use light colored ink, handwrite and send certified but not return receipt (what is the purpose of these special instructions?)
2)Then I want to contact the hospital and send them payment with a restrictive endorsemment--send it CMRRR and to their HIPAA officer
3)And then I want to redispute with the CRA's

This HiPAA process should work, because of the medical privacy laws, right?

Thanks for your help!!

[Trish]

Originally Posted by JaegerGentry

Let me see if I understand the HIPAA method.

I have a medical bill that went to a third party CA thats still within the SOL I want to:

1) Send a medical dispute letter to the CRA's--use light colored ink, handwrite and send certified but not return receipt (what is the purpose of these special instructions?)
2)Then I want to contact the hospital and send them payment with a restrictive endorsemment--send it CMRRR and to their HIPAA officer
3)And then I want to redispute with the CRA's

This HiPAA process should work, because of the medical privacy laws, right?

Thanks for your help!!

Kinda....you just left out a couple of parts...

1 is really to opt out and update/delete as much personal info as possible
THEN you do the initial medical dispute letter. The reason why you send it CM only and handwritten (or purple/teal italic font) is so the CRAs computer sorting system cannot read your dispute and it will have to be forwarded to and opened by an actual person. It just makes your chances better and keeps it out of the automated system.

You do not do anything else until you get the results of the medical dispute. Then once you have the results with the name of the original healthcare provider, you can move on to #2.

3. Once you know that the check/MO has been cashed, you then send the follow up letter to the OC along with a copy of your "redispute" letter that you will send to the CRA.


Hope that helped some..
Let me know if you still have any questions.

[zcrider01]

I have so many medical bills from so many different collection agencies that I dont know where to start. I am confused, tired and just want to start paying them down so they will leave me alone. I just dont know where to start. I have pulled all three CR's and they all differ

[Trish]

Originally Posted by zcrider01

I have so many medical bills from so many different collection agencies that I dont know where to start. I am confused, tired and just want to start paying them down so they will leave me alone. I just dont know where to start. I have pulled all three CR's and they all differ

It's ok.....I've been there and know how you feel.
I had TONS of medical debts reporting on my CR (like 23).....and while I did use the HIPAA process for some.......others I was able to dispute off. Take a deep breath and just start off by reading. Read the first post of this thread.......look at whychat's HIPAA process and decide if that might be something you want to try.

You've done the first step which is getting your CRs. Go ahead and opt out and work on updating/deleting all personal info on your reports..

Another post that has good info that may help you is this one.....
Basic Step by Step Beginner's Guide to Credit Repair

If you have questions, feel free to post...

[Cikeama31]

Hi Trisha,

I'm new to this forum, but I have been following the HIPAA process. I want to pay off the medical bills (which are valid), but I want them deleted from my credit report. The CA refuses to remove them, if I send the OC chat's letter with insert A, do I still need to dispute the charges with the CRA?

[Trish]

Originally Posted by Cikeama31

Hi Trisha,

I'm new to this forum, but I have been following the HIPAA process. I want to pay off the medical bills (which are valid), but I want them deleted from my credit report. The CA refuses to remove them, if I send the OC chat's letter with insert A, do I still need to dispute the charges with the CRA?

If you follow the HIPAA process, you do not have ANY contact with the CA..
There are several steps to the process.....and you must follow them exactly as they are laid out....
You start out with the medical dispute letter and then once you have made payment, you will send the CRAs a follow up dispute.
Please re-read the steps and then let me know if you still have any questions.

[Trish]

Just wanted explain that I have cleaned up the HIPAA thread a bit. If your posts/questions went into a bit of detail, I created a new thread started by that poster. It will make questions/topics easier for others to find.

If you have trouble finding your thread, just look under your profile either by clicking on your name or going into your User CP. Once you are viewing your profile, go to the Statistics tab and click on "Find all threads posted by...."

If you still have trouble finding it, just let me know

[ifrankiev]

I hate how things which dont help your credit can actually hurt your credit like not paying your medical bills on time. it hardly makes sense.