So I've been reading over everything and I am so confused! I figured it couldn't hurt to ask how to proceed in all this. Long story, A collection just showed up on my credit report. Took me by surprise and I had no idea I owed this dentist office a thing as insurance had said it would be taken care of. The dentistry office claims to have documented phone calls and sent letters... but I can honestly say I haven't heard anything. They've hired a collection agency to collect on their behalf and refuse to deal with me regarding the matter. They only direct me to the CA since they've already paid the fee. By the way, this service visit took place around 5 months ago.
The OC does not appear on my credit report, only the CA. I don't mind paying this debt if it will make it go away. From what I understand, paying the CA will do nothing for me. So what do I do at this point? Which letters do I send and to whom? I see letters being sent to the OC, The CRAs, the CA...I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to be doing. I just want to do the right steps.
Any help is greatly appreciated, as this is the only negative and it's killing my credit at a very important time.
I'm assuming I should write the letters to the Reporting Agencies first...so I'm working on that now.
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Because this is such a recent bill, your best bet is to check with your insurance and get a copy of the EOMB, ( explanation of medical benefits) to see IF the claim was submitted, IF there was a valid "left over" balance and IF there is anything legitimately owed to the OC.
In the meantime, Opt Out
Send each CRA where this account is reporting this:
There are several possibilities since you haven't received anything from the OC, have you moved?? If so, they may not have had your current address. It is also possible that they mixed your account up with someone else's, are charging you the difference between what your insurance allowed and the original amount ( which they are OBLIGATED to write off) or that your insurance never received the claim.
Sending the initial dispute letter will establish a "base line" of communication to get this off your reports. Opting out FIRST is essential to prevent your reports being "poisoned" by garbage CAs especially if you are in the process of buying a home or refinancing.