HIPAA Method questions

[epa3865]

2nd Update: Experian

 

Got 3 letters today. One letter each from Experian to me and my wife and a third (see below). Very confusing. These letters were the response from Experian to our pre-HIPAA letters.

 

Mine said:

 

Dear ____________

 

If you question the results of our dispute process, then you may want to contact the furnisher of information directly or review the original information in the public record. Please refer to your original personal credit report for the furnisher or public records office name, address, and phone number (if available).

 

Sincerely,

Experian

NCAC

P.O. Box 2002

Allen TX 75013

 

That is all that was in the letter! What the heck does this mean? The rest of the page was my address label, their logo, who it was prepared for - me, the date, report number.

 

In the pre-HIPAA letter I included one medical collection and followed your instructions to a "T": hand-addressed the envelope, stationery with tealish background, tealish printing, etc, etc.

 

I checked Experian for me and my wife online by starting a dispute using the same report number, and the medical collection I listed in my pre-HIPAA letter, is still showing.

 

Funny thing, though. I haven't heard anything from that medical collection CA, since before they reported to Experian in 12/11, and today, the third letter was from that CA demanding payment for that medical collection. Even though I paid it in full with the OC in 1/12 (before starting this HIPAA process).

 

What does this letter from Experian for me mean, and what is my next step?

 

 

My wife also got a letter from Experian today. Her letter, again a response to the pre-HIPAA I sent out for her, looked like my letter above, but also had a little more:

 

Dear ____________

 

If you question the results of our dispute process, then you may want to contact the furnisher of information directly or review the original information in the public record. Please refer to your original personal credit report for the furnisher or public records office name, address, and phone number (if available).

 

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a national consumer credit reporting agency's role in the dispute process is to review the accuracy and completeness of any disputed item which may include contacting the source of the disputed information and informing them of all relevant information regarding the consumer's dispute. If the issue is not resolved, then the consumer credit reporting agency must offer to include a consumer statement on the personal credit report.

 

The Federal Trade Commission (the government agency charged with enforcement of the FCRA) does not require that the consumer credit reporting company obtain documentation such as the actual signed sales slips, signature cards, contracts, etc; nor does it require that consumer reporting agencies act as mediators or negotiators in account disputes.

 

Sincerely,

Experian

NCAC

P.O. Box 2002

Allen TX 75013

 

Again with this response for my wife to Experian, we sent out a pre-HIPAA letter listing 2 medical collections. When I checked online with Experian today, one of the medical collections remain, and the other is gone. Did they by chance, forget to add the part in blue to my letter?

 

Why don't they tell you what they have done and give you the results? Or is there another letter coming? What is our next step with my wife now?

 

Thanks Whychat!

Do not EVER expect anything that makes sense from Experian, their computer system does whatever seems to fit the issue even if it is non responsive and inaccurate.

 

I can assume that you are now ONLY dealing with 1 medical left on Experian only in your wife's and 2 on your reports? Even better: 1 on mine out of 1 listed on pre-HIPAA and 1 on my wife's out of 2 listed on pre-HIPAA

 

Send the reporting CAs the medical DV

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html

This medical DV includes a full cease and desist so make sure you include BOTH the verification AND the correspondence paragraphs for YOUR entry:

 

This letter is being sent to you in response to your attached letter and your recent fraudulent verification of an unknown medical account on my (name of CRA) report

 

and then send Ex this

 

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html#DISPUTE

 

A few other questions:

 

1. My only Experian medical collection was first reported on Experian 11/11. I paid in full to OC in 1/12 before knowing about and starting HIPAA process. The letter I received from the CA about this medical collection yesterday (I assume because of their contact by Experian from the pre-HIPAA I sent to Experian?) still shows that I owe the money and was demanding it in yesterday's letter, and the balance still shows owed on the Experian CR. I still follow as above?

 

2. My wife's remaining medical collection on Experian is an UNpaid collection that the CA is updating VERY frequently (every month or two, latest 4/12). From the Experian CR, this is due to fall off her report 11/12. It's not a lot of money - a little over $200 - but with the hassle they have caused, I am not excited about paying, especially being this close to coming off her report automatically, but I would pay it if important to the process. Do we still follow as above?

 

3. Above you state: and then send Ex this http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html#DISPUTE Do I send this letter at the same time as sending out letter to CA or after receiving back the signed green returned receipt card?

 

I am loving the progress so far...

 

Thank you!

[Why Chat]

2nd Update: Experian

 

Got 3 letters today. One letter each from Experian to me and my wife and a third (see below). Very confusing. These letters were the response from Experian to our pre-HIPAA letters.

 

Mine said:

 

Dear ____________

 

If you question the results of our dispute process, then you may want to contact the furnisher of information directly or review the original information in the public record. Please refer to your original personal credit report for the furnisher or public records office name, address, and phone number (if available).

 

Sincerely,

Experian

NCAC

P.O. Box 2002

Allen TX 75013

 

That is all that was in the letter! What the heck does this mean? The rest of the page was my address label, their logo, who it was prepared for - me, the date, report number.

 

In the pre-HIPAA letter I included one medical collection and followed your instructions to a "T": hand-addressed the envelope, stationery with tealish background, tealish printing, etc, etc.

 

I checked Experian for me and my wife online by starting a dispute using the same report number, and the medical collection I listed in my pre-HIPAA letter, is still showing.

 

Funny thing, though. I haven't heard anything from that medical collection CA, since before they reported to Experian in 12/11, and today, the third letter was from that CA demanding payment for that medical collection. Even though I paid it in full with the OC in 1/12 (before starting this HIPAA process).

 

What does this letter from Experian for me mean, and what is my next step?

 

 

My wife also got a letter from Experian today. Her letter, again a response to the pre-HIPAA I sent out for her, looked like my letter above, but also had a little more:

 

Dear ____________

 

If you question the results of our dispute process, then you may want to contact the furnisher of information directly or review the original information in the public record. Please refer to your original personal credit report for the furnisher or public records office name, address, and phone number (if available).

 

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a national consumer credit reporting agency's role in the dispute process is to review the accuracy and completeness of any disputed item which may include contacting the source of the disputed information and informing them of all relevant information regarding the consumer's dispute. If the issue is not resolved, then the consumer credit reporting agency must offer to include a consumer statement on the personal credit report.

 

The Federal Trade Commission (the government agency charged with enforcement of the FCRA) does not require that the consumer credit reporting company obtain documentation such as the actual signed sales slips, signature cards, contracts, etc; nor does it require that consumer reporting agencies act as mediators or negotiators in account disputes.

 

Sincerely,

Experian

NCAC

P.O. Box 2002

Allen TX 75013

 

Again with this response for my wife to Experian, we sent out a pre-HIPAA letter listing 2 medical collections. When I checked online with Experian today, one of the medical collections remain, and the other is gone. Did they by chance, forget to add the part in blue to my letter?

 

Why don't they tell you what they have done and give you the results? Or is there another letter coming? What is our next step with my wife now?

 

Thanks Whychat!

Do not EVER expect anything that makes sense from Experian, their computer system does whatever seems to fit the issue even if it is non responsive and inaccurate.

 

I can assume that you are now ONLY dealing with 1 medical left on Experian only in your wife's and 2 on your reports? Even better: 1 on mine out of 1 listed on pre-HIPAA and 1 on my wife's out of 2 listed on pre-HIPAA

 

Send the reporting CAs the medical DV

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html

This medical DV includes a full cease and desist so make sure you include BOTH the verification AND the correspondence paragraphs for YOUR entry:

 

This letter is being sent to you in response to your attached letter and your recent fraudulent verification of an unknown medical account on my (name of CRA) report

 

and then send Ex this

 

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html#DISPUTE

 

A few other questions:

 

1. My only Experian medical collection was first reported on Experian 11/11. I paid in full to OC in 1/12 before knowing about and starting HIPAA process. The letter I received from the CA about this medical collection yesterday (I assume because of their contact by Experian from the pre-HIPAA I sent to Experian?) still shows that I owe the money and was demanding it in yesterday's letter, and the balance still shows owed on the Experian CR. I still follow as above? Yes, it is obvious that the reporting CA has NO current relationship to the OC, otherwise they would have changed the report to a "paid" collection

 

2. My wife's remaining medical collection on Experian is an UNpaid collection that the CA is updating VERY frequently (every month or two, latest 4/12). From the Experian CR, this is due to fall off her report 11/12. It's not a lot of money - a little over $200 - but with the hassle they have caused, I am not excited about paying, especially being this close to coming off her report automatically, but I would pay it if important to the process. Do we still follow as above?Yes, the CA has the account in an automated program, the only way to get rid of it is to FORCE their program to respond to the dispute, the medical DV should do this

 

3. Above you state: and then send Ex this http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html#DISPUTE Do I send this letter at the same time as sending out letter to CA or after receiving back the signed green returned receipt card? Yes, after getting back the signed RR card, OR the printout from the PO website if you are sending it to a PO box address certified only

 

I am loving the progress so far...

 

Thank you!

[epa3865]

Whychat...didn't think to ask this in prior post.

 

On my CR with Experian, who gave a bogus response to my pre-HIPAA letter (see my last post), there is one medical collection left. You said to go ahead and send the medical DV (see your answer above). This particular CA that has the medical collection on Experian HAD a medical collection for the same account on Transunion, and it was deleted - I received a deletion letter from TU. They also have an entry recorded on Equifax, who I have not heard back from yet, and backdoor it is still showing. Should I wait until I hear back from Equifax before sending out the medical DV for their entry on Experian (who HAS responded)? In fact, as stated in my prior post, this same CA with the medical collection recorded on Experian (and originally on all 3 CRA's), sent me a demand letter two days ago.

 

1. Should I send a letter now to CA listing Experian, and wait to send a separate letter to them for Equifax when I get a response? OR

 

2. Send separate letters for EX and EQ now to that CA? OR

 

3. Wait for both separate letters for EX and EQ until I hear from EQ?

 

I can send my wife's DV medical letter off now since it remains only on the EX that we just heard from about the pre-HIPAA.

 

I don't want to mess things up, since all is going so well so far.

 

Thanks!

[Why Chat]

Whychat...didn't think to ask this in prior post.

 

On my CR with Experian, who gave a bogus response to my pre-HIPAA letter (see my last post), there is one medical collection left. You said to go ahead and send the medical DV (see your answer above). This particular CA that has the medical collection on Experian HAD a medical collection for the same account on Transunion, and it was deleted - I received a deletion letter from TU. They also have an entry recorded on Equifax, who I have not heard back from yet, and backdoor it is still showing. Should I wait until I hear back from Equifax before sending out the medical DV for their entry on Experian (who HAS responded)? In fact, as stated in my prior post, this same CA with the medical collection recorded on Experian (and originally on all 3 CRA's), sent me a demand letter two days ago.

 

1. Should I send a letter now to CA listing Experian, and wait to send a separate letter to them for Equifax when I get a response? OR

 

2. Send separate letters for EX and EQ now to that CA? OR

 

3. Wait for both separate letters for EX and EQ until I hear from EQ? Wait, Eq may delete

 

I can send my wife's DV medical letter off now since it remains only on the EX that we just heard from about the pre-HIPAA.

 

I don't want to mess things up, since all is going so well so far.

 

Thanks!

You are doing GREAT

[epa3865]

2nd Update: Experian

 

Got 3 letters today. One letter each from Experian to me and my wife and a third (see below). Very confusing. These letters were the response from Experian to our pre-HIPAA letters.

 

Mine said:

 

Dear ____________

 

If you question the results of our dispute process, then you may want to contact the furnisher of information directly or review the original information in the public record. Please refer to your original personal credit report for the furnisher or public records office name, address, and phone number (if available).

 

Sincerely,

Experian

NCAC

P.O. Box 2002

Allen TX 75013

 

That is all that was in the letter! What the heck does this mean? The rest of the page was my address label, their logo, who it was prepared for - me, the date, report number.

 

In the pre-HIPAA letter I included one medical collection and followed your instructions to a "T": hand-addressed the envelope, stationery with tealish background, tealish printing, etc, etc.

 

I checked Experian for me and my wife online by starting a dispute using the same report number, and the medical collection I listed in my pre-HIPAA letter, is still showing.

 

Funny thing, though. I haven't heard anything from that medical collection CA, since before they reported to Experian in 12/11, and today, the third letter was from that CA demanding payment for that medical collection. Even though I paid it in full with the OC in 1/12 (before starting this HIPAA process).

 

What does this letter from Experian for me mean, and what is my next step?

 

 

My wife also got a letter from Experian today. Her letter, again a response to the pre-HIPAA I sent out for her, looked like my letter above, but also had a little more:

 

Dear ____________

 

If you question the results of our dispute process, then you may want to contact the furnisher of information directly or review the original information in the public record. Please refer to your original personal credit report for the furnisher or public records office name, address, and phone number (if available).

 

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a national consumer credit reporting agency's role in the dispute process is to review the accuracy and completeness of any disputed item which may include contacting the source of the disputed information and informing them of all relevant information regarding the consumer's dispute. If the issue is not resolved, then the consumer credit reporting agency must offer to include a consumer statement on the personal credit report.

 

The Federal Trade Commission (the government agency charged with enforcement of the FCRA) does not require that the consumer credit reporting company obtain documentation such as the actual signed sales slips, signature cards, contracts, etc; nor does it require that consumer reporting agencies act as mediators or negotiators in account disputes.

 

Sincerely,

Experian

NCAC

P.O. Box 2002

Allen TX 75013

 

Again with this response for my wife to Experian, we sent out a pre-HIPAA letter listing 2 medical collections. When I checked online with Experian today, one of the medical collections remain, and the other is gone. Did they by chance, forget to add the part in blue to my letter?

 

Why don't they tell you what they have done and give you the results? Or is there another letter coming? What is our next step with my wife now?

 

Thanks Whychat!

Do not EVER expect anything that makes sense from Experian, their computer system does whatever seems to fit the issue even if it is non responsive and inaccurate.

 

I can assume that you are now ONLY dealing with 1 medical left on Experian only in your wife's and 2 on your reports?

 

Send the reporting CAs the medical DV

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html

This medical DV includes a full cease and desist so make sure you include BOTH the verification AND the correspondence paragraphs for YOUR entry:

 

This letter is being sent to you in response to your attached letter and your recent fraudulent verification of an unknown medical account on my (name of CRA) report

 

and then send Ex this

 

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html#DISPUTE

 

UPDATE:

 

I quoted my post #24 and Whychat's response in post #25 because I received 2 letters today:

 

The first letter is from Experian for my wife from the initial pre-HIPAA that was mailed May 15th (I assume). The letter from Experian says that the medical collection was updated. She did get a letter from Experian right after the mailing of the pre-HIPAA letter that she received June 1st (see quote in this post) which made no sense. We thought this was their full response to the pre-HIPAA letter, and you said in your reply to go ahead and send out the medical DV to the reporting CA (see quote in this post). This we did on June 5th, and when we received the RR green card back, we mailed the followup CM letter to Experian on June 8th.

 

Does this change anything, since we didn't wait (since the first letter didn't make sense) for their full response of updating the medical collection? Hopefully not...

 

The second letter is from my only remaining medical collection that is now only reporting on EX and EQ (TU deleted with pre-HIPAA). This is a PAID collection that I paid directly to Drs. office 1/12. Unfortunately, the CA first reported to all three CRA's 11/11. The pre-HIPAA was sent out resulting in deletion from TU. When I heard from EX and EQ that they were not deleting, I mailed the medical DV, both letters in same envelope as instructed, to reporting CA on 6/5, and when I received the green RR card back, mailed CM the followup to EX and EQ on 6/8.

 

The letter from the reporting CA on my medical collection that I received today said that enclosed was "the reply or information received from our client. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office. We are attempting to collect a debt, blah, blah, blah." Enclosed was a copy of my medical dv letter I sent to them along with a copy of the copy of the letter I sent to them with the medical dv letter that the reporting CA mailed to me 5/29 to collect on the debt. Also enclosed in the letter I received today was a copy of a bill dated 7/28/11 from the OC Drs. office (the CA did stamp on the invoice "we are attempting to collect a debt..."). Lastly, they enclosed a copy of my registration form with the Drs. office with just my name, address, phone#, SSN, DOB, in case of emergency, who to contact (I put my wife), her phone #, and my two signatures on the bottom of the one-page form. The first signature is to confirm that payment is due when rendered, etc, and that if turned over to collections, a collection fee of 33 1/3% will be added, etc. The second signature, is "authorizing physician to apply for benefits on my behalf for covered services rendered", authorizing release of medical information to insurance carrier, and that I authorize for Drs. office to be paid directly.

 

From what I remember going to any Drs. office nowadays, the HIPAA form is a SEPARATE form that we sign. It was not included.

 

I know you talk to a lot of people on CB and don't recall every person you help (that's why it may seem like I am repeating myself, but I just want to make sure you have all the info in one spot in order to reply without having to wade through the whole posting). Again, with this collection, I PAID it to OC Drs. office 1/12.

 

Some questions:

 

1. I still just wait for the response from EX and EQ on the medical DV followup letter I mailed 6/8 on my medical collection, right?

 

2. I can't believe the CA didn't even call the Drs. office to make sure my medical bill is still unpaid...are they always this incompetent?

 

3. Do I need to save ENVELOPES that I receive from CRA/CA/OC/etc, or is the letter enough?

 

4. Not having the HIPAA included, is that some sort of violation?

 

Thanks, as always. Things are really moving along!

[epa3865]

Hi Whychat...when you get a chance, can you comment on my post just above with my update?

 

Thanks!

[Why Chat]

Hi Whychat...when you get a chance, can you comment on my post just above with my update?

 

Thanks!

As I understand it, the reporting CA validated an account they are trying to collect a balance on that you have proof you paid to the OC?? Did you pay the OC with the HIPAA letter insert "a"?, if so use the follow up letters after insert "c"

 

If you paid the OC in some other way, then you send the OC the HIPAA letter insert "b" 1

http://www.whychat.5u.com/hipltr.html

[epa3865]

Hi Whychat...when you get a chance, can you comment on my post just above with my update?

 

Thanks!

As I understand it, the reporting CA validated an account they are trying to collect a balance on that you have proof you paid to the OC?? Did you pay the OC with the HIPAA letter insert "a"?, if so use the follow up letters after insert "c"

 

If you paid the OC in some other way, then you send the OC the HIPAA letter insert "b" 1

http://www.whychat.5u.com/hipltr.html

 

Whychat:

 

I paid the OC in Jan 2012 before starting on this HIPAA journey. On your website you say:

 

This letter should ONLY be used AFTER the initial dispute letter has provided you with a documented current relationship between the Health Care Provider and the reporting CA.

 

The items I received from the CA (see my post of 6/12) - does that document a current relationship with the OC? I don't believe a HIPAA authorization was in there. Does that matter? Should I also wait until I receive a response from the 2 CRA's I wrote your letter to after sending out the medical DV, or do I send the HIPAA letter now?

 

Thanks!

[epa3865]

Whychat: If you could take a look at the question I asked in the post above and let me know so I can take the next step, I would be very thankful.

[Why Chat]

Hi Whychat...when you get a chance, can you comment on my post just above with my update?

 

Thanks!

As I understand it, the reporting CA validated an account they are trying to collect a balance on that you have proof you paid to the OC?? Did you pay the OC with the HIPAA letter insert "a"?, if so use the follow up letters after insert "c"

 

If you paid the OC in some other way, then you send the OC the HIPAA letter insert "b" 1

http://www.whychat.5u.com/hipltr.html

 

Whychat:

 

I paid the OC in Jan 2012 before starting on this HIPAA journey. On your website you say:

 

This letter should ONLY be used AFTER the initial dispute letter has provided you with a documented current relationship between the Health Care Provider and the reporting CA.

 

The items I received from the CA (see my post of 6/12) - does that document a current relationship with the OC? I don't believe a HIPAA authorization was in there. Does that matter? Should I also wait until I receive a response from the 2 CRA's I wrote your letter to after sending out the medical DV, or do I send the HIPAA letter now?

 

Thanks!

Send the OC the HIPAA letter insert "B" 1.

 

You have established a current relationship between the reporting CA and the OC ( I think)

 

You paid the OC and have proof of payment that you can include with the HIPAA letter

 

Do this AFTER you receive a reply from the 2 CRAs.

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

Received a letter from Experian today for my wife's only remaining medical collection. Looks like we are at the last step. We sent the pre-HIPAA to Experian and TU (only ones reporting initially) and TU deleted. Sent the medical DV letter to medical CA on June 5th, and followed up with letter to Experian when received green card back on June 10th, according to instructions. The letter she got from Experian today says this was previously investigated (pre-HIPAA). Have not heard anything from CA as of today.

 

1. Would I wait longer to hear anything from CA (medical DV mailed 6/5)?

2. If not, just hearing back from Experian today is sufficient to show a current relationship between CA and OC?

3. If it is time to send HIPAA letter to OC, I would send with insert "a" since there is still a balance?

4. I was hoping this would just be deleted before having to send out a payment. This account is older, and was for my daughter when she was still on my wife's health insurance while in college. It shows on my wife's Experian credit report that the account will automatically fall off November 2012 (was never on my daughter's). The amount stated that is due is a little over $200. I could pay, if really important, but it would be better served to pay down CC utilization. Is there a compelling reason to pay versus just waiting the 4-5 months for it to fall off?

 

Thanks, as always!

[Why Chat]

Whychat:

 

Received a letter from Experian today for my wife's only remaining medical collection. Looks like we are at the last step. We sent the pre-HIPAA to Experian and TU (only ones reporting initially) and TU deleted. Sent the medical DV letter to medical CA on June 5th, and followed up with letter to Experian when received green card back on June 10th, according to instructions. The letter she got from Experian today says this was previously investigated (pre-HIPAA). Have not heard anything from CA as of today.

 

1. Would I wait longer to hear anything from CA (medical DV mailed 6/5)?

2. If not, just hearing back from Experian today is sufficient to show a current relationship between CA and OC?

3. If it is time to send HIPAA letter to OC, I would send with insert "a" since there is still a balance?

4. I was hoping this would just be deleted before having to send out a payment. This account is older, and was for my daughter when she was still on my wife's health insurance while in college. It shows on my wife's Experian credit report that the account will automatically fall off November 2012 (was never on my daughter's). The amount stated that is due is a little over $200. I could pay, if really important, but it would be better served to pay down CC utilization. Is there a compelling reason to pay versus just waiting the 4-5 months for it to fall off?

 

Thanks, as always!

If you have had no response from the reporting CA then you have NOT established a CURRENT relationship between the OC and the CA and any payment made to the OC would be useless. The account is OBSOLETE as the date that should be used is the date of medical service, not the date the CA received the account, indicate that the alleged service was prior to Jan. 2005

 

If it is JUST on the Ex report, then it is time for a FTC complaint against Ex

http://www.whychat.5u.com/hipaaftccomp.html

 

Make sure you stress that this is an OBSOLETE account in both your complaint and the cover letter to Ex and include the suggested phrase :

Make sure that your follow up dispute to the CRA is addressed to their compliance dept. sent CMRR and includes this phrase;

"I reserve the right to take further action including filing appropriate complaints with the OCR on HIPAA violations, the (name of your State)'s Attorney General under the penalty rules of the HITECH Act as issued 11/30/2009. ( your State) 's consumer protection agencies, the BBB and to take civil action to recover damages. ".

[epa3865]

If you have had no response from the reporting CA then you have NOT established a CURRENT relationship between the OC and the CA and any payment made to the OC would be useless. The account is OBSOLETE as the date that should be used is the date of medical service, not the date the CA received the account, indicate that the alleged service was prior to Jan. 2005

 

If it is JUST on the Ex report, then it is time for a FTC complaint against Ex

http://www.whychat.5u.com/hipaaftccomp.html

 

 

Whychat:

 

I went back in a pile of OLD bills, and found an old statement from this OC. The original date of service for my daughter was Feb 2006 (she was 20 and in college at the time, under my wife's insurance). Since this is not "prior to Jan. 2005" as you state above in the quote, how do I move forward without a current relationship being established? Again, this is due to fall off automatically (per Equifax CR) in 11/12.

[Why Chat]

If you have had no response from the reporting CA then you have NOT established a CURRENT relationship between the OC and the CA and any payment made to the OC would be useless. The account is OBSOLETE as the date that should be used is the date of medical service, not the date the CA received the account, indicate that the alleged service was prior to Jan. 2005

 

If it is JUST on the Ex report, then it is time for a FTC complaint against Ex

http://www.whychat.5u.com/hipaaftccomp.html

 

 

Whychat:

 

I went back in a pile of OLD bills, and found an old statement from this OC. The original date of service for my daughter was Feb 2006 (she was 20 and in college at the time, under my wife's insurance). Since this is not "prior to Jan. 2005" as you state above in the quote, how do I move forward without a current relationship being established? Again, this is due to fall off automatically (per Equifax CR) in 11/12.

I suggest you forget that you found the old statement and stick to the claim of obsolescence. You can NOT establish ANY current relationship because NONE EXISTS. Your only hope of getting it off your Ex report is to follow my advice. If you wish to be absolutely truthful you can simply state that the account MAY be obsolete.

Edited June 26, 2012 by Why Chat

[epa3865]

Whychat: Please let me know how this followup letter to Experian after filing FTC complaint is:

 

 

Me and my address

 

June 27, 2012

Experian

PO Box 9701

Allen, TX 75013-9701

Attention: Compliance Department

Re: Reporting of the obsolete medical account #XXXX on my report #xxxxx

 

Dear Experian,

 

My name is ME, my SS number is xxx-xx-xxxx.

I am sending this dispute certified mail return receipt #xxxxx to make sure you receive it.

 

Enclosed please find a copy of the FTC complaint that I have filed today concerning the above-mentioned OBSOLETE medical account that is reporting on my credit report.

 

As stated in the FTC complaint, I originally contacted you with a letter dated May 15, 2012 disputing an unknown medical account entry, which you received May 18, 2012 (see enclosed copy of letter and delivery confirmation). I received a letter from you dated June 7, 2012 that this OBSOLETE medical account was updated. As per your instructions, I sent a dispute letter to the furnisher of the information directly requesting validation (see enclosed copy of the letter dated June 5, 2012 and a copy of proof of delivery). I did not receive any response from them. I then re-disputed with you on June 10, 2012. I received a letter back from you yesterday dated June 18, 2012 (see enclosed copy) stating that you “have already investigated this information and that the credit grantor has verified its accuracy”.

 

Your refusal to properly investigate this OBSOLETE medical account or properly mark the account as in dispute is a violation of the FCRA and FACTA. Please delete this OBSOLETE medical account from my credit report.

 

I reserve the right to take further action including filing appropriate complaints with the OCR on HIPAA violations, the Illinois Attorney General under the penalty rules of the HITECH Act as issued 11/30/2009, Illinois consumer protection agencies, the BBB and to take civil action to recover damages.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Me

[Why Chat]

Whychat: Please let me know how this followup letter to Experian after filing FTC complaint is:

 

 

Me and my address

 

June 27, 2012

Experian

PO Box 9701

Allen, TX 75013-9701

Attention: Compliance Department

Re: Reporting of the unknown and likely obsolete medical account #XXXX on my report #xxxxx

 

Dear Experian,

 

My name is ME, my SS number is xxx-xx-xxxx.

I am sending this dispute certified mail return receipt #xxxxx to make sure you receive it.

 

Enclosed please find a copy of the FTC complaint that I have filed today concerning the above-mentioned unknown and likely OBSOLETE medical account that is reporting on my credit report.

 

As stated in the FTC complaint, I originally contacted you with a letter dated May 15, 2012 disputing an unknown medical account entry, which you received May 18, 2012 (see enclosed copy of letter and delivery confirmation). I received a letter from you dated June 7, 2012 that this unknown and likely OBSOLETE medical account was updated. As per your instructions, I sent a dispute letter to the furnisher of the information directly requesting validation (see enclosed copy of the letter dated June 5, 2012 and a copy of proof of delivery). I did not receive any response from them. I then re-disputed with you on June 10, 2012. I received a letter back from you yesterday dated June 18, 2012 (see enclosed copy) stating that you “have already investigated this information and that the credit grantor has verified its accuracy”.

 

Your refusal to properly investigate this unknown and likely OBSOLETE medical account or properly mark the account as in dispute is a violation of the FCRA and FACTA. Please delete this unknown and likely OBSOLETE medical account from my credit report.

 

I reserve the right to take further action including filing appropriate complaints with the OCR on HIPAA violations, the Illinois Attorney General under the penalty rules of the HITECH Act as issued 11/30/2009, Illinois consumer protection agencies, the BBB and to take civil action to recover damages.

 

Very truly yours,

 

Me

I added some phrases to make your dispute more logical, as if the account is unknown how are you SURE it is obsolete?

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

Thanks for the edit!

 

 

ANOTHER UPDATE:

 

Just checked EQ to see if the last medical collection by chance fell off. It didn't, that's why I mailed yesterday the letter you edited in the above post.

 

While checking EQ, I noticed that the medical collection agency (ATG Credit) that originally had 2 entries listed for 2 different amounts, with the same account number, from the same Drs. office that BOTH fell off after the pre-HIPAA letter, put ANOTHER one entry on EQ for the SAME Drs. office that was deleted. This time they used a different account number, and the dollar amount was for $1 more than what was listed before. Before the 2 entries being deleted by the pre-HIPAA, the accounts showed a balance due (even though they were paid in full in Jan 2012). NOW, they show a balance of $0, with a payment being made the date I made the payment in Jan 2012. It shows a different DOFD, and under status, it shows "D-Unpaid". I called the Drs. billing office and got an itemized bill sent to me so I could see what was going on, which they emailed. (I hope that didn't screw things up). I didn't say anything about the collection agency or EQ, just that I needed a copy right away. On the itemized bill, I saw 3 different sections, listing 2 different doctors. Maybe this entry is the third one that wasn't on before? But looking at the charge-off date, or even the DOS, the dates don't match. This is very confusing. The itemized bill does show there is no balance due.

 

How would I handle this now?

[Why Chat]

Whychat:

 

Thanks for the edit!

 

 

ANOTHER UPDATE:

 

Just checked EQ to see if the last medical collection by chance fell off. It didn't, that's why I mailed yesterday the letter you edited in the above post.

 

While checking EQ, I noticed that the medical collection agency (ATG Credit) that originally had 2 entries listed for 2 different amounts, with the same account number, from the same Drs. office that BOTH fell off after the pre-HIPAA letter, put ANOTHER one entry on EQ for the SAME Drs. office that was deleted. This time they used a different account number, and the dollar amount was for $1 more than what was listed before. Before the 2 entries being deleted by the pre-HIPAA, the accounts showed a balance due (even though they were paid in full in Jan 2012). NOW, they show a balance of $0, with a payment being made the date I made the payment in Jan 2012. It shows a different DOFD, and under status, it shows "D-Unpaid". I called the Drs. billing office and got an itemized bill sent to me so I could see what was going on, which they emailed. (I hope that didn't screw things up). I didn't say anything about the collection agency or EQ, just that I needed a copy right away. On the itemized bill, I saw 3 different sections, listing 2 different doctors. Maybe this entry is the third one that wasn't on before? But looking at the charge-off date, or even the DOS, the dates don't match. This is very confusing. The itemized bill does show there is no balance due.

 

How would I handle this now?

Wait for a response from the CRAs to the FTC complaint.

I do not believe there is ANY balance due, I DO think your Dr.'s office bookkeeping is pretty bad.

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

Thanks for the response.

 

The FTC complaint and the follow-up to EX was on my wife's last remaining medical collection. This last post was about me and a collection that was added to EQ after initially falling off after the pre-HIPAA letter.

 

I apologize for the confusion.

[Why Chat]

Whychat:

 

Thanks for the response.

 

The FTC complaint and the follow-up to EX was on my wife's last remaining medical collection. This last post was about me and a collection that was added to EQ after initially falling off after the pre-HIPAA letter.

 

I apologize for the confusion.

OK, send Eq the re-insertion letter

http://www.whychat.5u.com/ltrcraredisp.html

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

Thanks for the response.

 

The FTC complaint and the follow-up to EX was on my wife's last remaining medical collection. This last post was about me and a collection that was added to EQ after initially falling off after the pre-HIPAA letter.

 

I apologize for the confusion.

OK, send Eq the re-insertion letter

http://www.whychat.5u.com/ltrcraredisp.html

 

Thank you Whychat.

 

I just want to be sure I understand...

 

1. Even though this medical CA re-inserted the collection with a different account number and amount (the OC had 2 doctors under the same account number - which was different from this one the CA is using this time) and showing now it was paid (whereas before deletion it was showing it was still owing), you want me to send the re-insertion letter?

 

2. I'm confused on the CM vs CMRR thing with the CRA. It doesn't mention which to use with this letter. When do you use CM vs. CMRR with CRA?

 

Thanks!

[Why Chat]

Whychat:

 

Thanks for the response.

 

The FTC complaint and the follow-up to EX was on my wife's last remaining medical collection. This last post was about me and a collection that was added to EQ after initially falling off after the pre-HIPAA letter.

 

I apologize for the confusion.

OK, send Eq the re-insertion letter

http://www.whychat.5u.com/ltrcraredisp.html

 

Thank you Whychat.

 

I just want to be sure I understand...

 

1. Even though this medical CA re-inserted the collection with a different account number and amount (the OC had 2 doctors under the same account number - which was different from this one the CA is using this time) and showing now it was paid (whereas before deletion it was showing it was still owing), you want me to send the re-insertion letter?

 

2. I'm confused on the CM vs CMRR thing with the CRA. It doesn't mention which to use with this letter. When do you use CM vs. CMRR with CRA?

 

Thanks!

It is/was the SAME account. It WAS reinserted by the SAME CA. ( You can state that the CA changed the account # to fraudulently re-insert the previously deleted account that had been disputed as invalid and was deleted)

 

Anything going to a CRA, ( other than the initial dispute letter) should be sent properly typed and with a return receipt as that proof may be needed in any Civil action or FTC complaint.

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

UPDATE

 

Received a phone call today from the OC Drs. office I sent the HIPAA letter to with insert "B" (because I paid the OC in full before starting this process in Jan 2012). The phone call caught me off-guard - I just expected a letter, so I wasn't sure what to do, so I just listened. The billing person at the Drs. office said they had not updated the CA about the payoff payment in January and that they will contact the CA to take care of, including taking off EX and EQ. She was apologetic and stated that she was "sorry for my inconvenience".

 

I thought about it after hanging up that I didn't have any backup with just a phone call, and called back and left a voicemail asking for a letter confirming what we talked about - especially the part about having them delete from EX and EQ. (being a billing person, she is only there part-time 2 times a week).

 

Is this sufficient, or should I have done things differently?

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

UPDATE

 

Received a phone call today from the OC Drs. office I sent the HIPAA letter to with insert "B" (because I paid the OC in full before starting this process in Jan 2012). The phone call caught me off-guard - I just expected a letter, so I wasn't sure what to do, so I just listened. The billing person at the Drs. office said they had not updated the CA about the payoff payment in January and that they will contact the CA to take care of, including taking off EX and EQ. She was apologetic and stated that she was "sorry for my inconvenience".

 

I thought about it after hanging up that I didn't have any backup with just a phone call, and called back and left a voicemail asking for a letter confirming what we talked about - especially the part about having them delete from EX and EQ. (being a billing person, she is only there part-time 2 times a week).

 

Is this sufficient, or should I have done things differently?

 

Whychat, what do you think?

 

Thanks!

[epa3865]

Whychat:

 

UPDATE

 

Received a phone call today from the OC Drs. office I sent the HIPAA letter to with insert "B" (because I paid the OC in full before starting this process in Jan 2012). The phone call caught me off-guard - I just expected a letter, so I wasn't sure what to do, so I just listened. The billing person at the Drs. office said they had not updated the CA about the payoff payment in January and that they will contact the CA to take care of, including taking off EX and EQ. She was apologetic and stated that she was "sorry for my inconvenience".

 

I thought about it after hanging up that I didn't have any backup with just a phone call, and called back and left a voicemail asking for a letter confirming what we talked about - especially the part about having them delete from EX and EQ. (being a billing person, she is only there part-time 2 times a week).

 

Is this sufficient, or should I have done things differently?

 

 

UPDATE for Whychat:

 

Looked for any update to this on usaa, and saw today that it was not showing under EQ and EX today. I won't receive anything from those CRA's about this, right? Is this enough to know it is gone for good? If not, what should I do?

 

Thanks