I just received 2 "collection Letters" from the local CA that handles all of the Dr. office and hospital collections. Do I request validation in the same way as I would any other coll. account? Is this advisable since they are local and can get the required info rather easily (if they know what they're supposed to send me)? I expect more accounts to be sent to them shortly as DW has recently had cancer removed, as well as a few other surgeries. I just don't want to tip them off on a $600 bill and then have them send out one for $15,000 and them know how to skirt the validation issue. Any advice would be great. I just got the letters today (not CMRRR either. Hmmmmm) so I have a little bit of time to respond yet.
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If the debt is NOT yours, I would assume so. Doesn't make sense to use the HIPPA letter and pay a debt that is not your financial responsibility. But don't quote me on that....that is my understanding so far. I am still researching this for a single medical collection showing on my reports that is not, and never was my responsibility.
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Going over WHYCHAT's HIPPA letter, this would apply in a billing error:
(insert
This account is in error.
It has either been paid, is a billing error,or was not transmitted in a timely manner to my insurance company.
It is not a valid bill and has been properly disputed, therefore I request complete deletion from all your records and archives.
Guess that helps me, but if your bills ARE your responsibility, you may want to research further what recourses you have.