Important Question on HIPAA Dispute Process

[nachocredit1]

Hello,

 

I'm starting to get the reactions from my HIPPA disputes to the CRAs. While I have
not received the official results as of yet, I did get a letter from a medical
collection that has verified with all three CRAs. I just wanted to confirm a
couple things.

1. Do I go ahead and send the CA the letter from this link http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html?

1. Do I send the CA the hipaa dispute letter now or wait until I receive the official results all CRA disputes?

Thanks again!!

[Why Chat]

If you received a letter from a CA in response to your dispute to the CRAs and it provides you with verifiable data on the account that matches your records ( EOMBs etc.) then they have verified their current business relationship with the OC and you can pay the OC with the HIPAA letter insert "a"

[nachocredit1]

Thank you for your help again Whychat...

 

They didn't send any verifiable proof of anything. It is actually a dunning letter coupled with a offer of about $80 less than what's owed. It's offering the settlement until May 29, 2013. Then, it gets into disputing this debt within 30 days and they will "obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgment." It also days if an attorney represents me to refer the letter to my attorney. Last, they have the mini spill about it being an attempt to collect a debt.

 

So, no they did not send me any verifiable data that matches my records. I'm not even sure when this medical event took place as my credit reports only list last year's dates for when the account was created. However, the credit reports show the debt will be removed in Dec. 2014 for Exp and Feb. 2015 for TU. Equifax doesn't seem to have a date listed for removal.

 

I'm not sure what type of letter DV letter I should respond to this with. Which approach should I use?

[Why Chat]

Send them the regular medical DV.

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

 

 

As soon as you have proof of their receipt, send the follow up dispute to the CRAs

Edited April 15, 2013 by Why Chat

[nachocredit1]

Thanks Whychat! Should I wait until the CRAs show the current investigations (for the other medical disputes) are closed/resolved? To avoid the 15 day extension for investigation.

[nachocredit1]

I just checked copies of my credit reports, specifically an old Equifax report, as I could not recall what this particular medical debt was from. This report actually has a date on it from 3/2008. This would more than likely be a medical bill from my Worker's Comp case. I am pretty sure, but I guess I'll need to get the info from the CA to know for sure.

 

Would I handle this situation differently than the other medical disputes? My former employer would be responsible for this one. I'll have to try and find my worker's comp info as I'm sure I'll need it.

[Why Chat]

Yes wait for closure on your other medical disputes before sending in the dispute on this one as the disputes might get merged.

 

It doesn't make any difference that it may have been from an old WC claim, it is obviously in the slimy hands of a JDB

[nachocredit1]

Updates:

1. Opted out

2. Deleted old addresses (as much as possible with Experian).

3. Disputed medical CAs with all 3 CRAs.

4. CRA Results:

 

a. TU: One medical CA remains (3 deleted)

b. EQ: Two medical CA remains (1 deleted)

c. EX: All four medical CAs remains – two of these were previously disputed before finding this hipaa dispute process and EX is refusing to redispute these. (Addresses remain on file that were originally reported with these medical CAs).

 

 

Notes: One of the medical CAs, Meade, is reporting on all three CRAs. This CA is like a mini-LVNV, but is local. They are notorious for trying to collect on ANY and EVERYTHING. Meade never sent me a dunning letter. However, while Meade is reporting the debt, I received a letter from a different local attorney/CA attempting to collect on this same debt a couple months ago. They advised that an attorney had not reviewed my account, however it is an attempt to collect a debt.

I asked about this earlier in the thread and I was advised to send the attorney/CA the medical DV. They responded with what appears to be info from the medical office that is probably legit, but I never sent a response as I do not have the funds on hand to pay this off. The good thing is the attorney/CA is NOT on my credit reports as of right now.

Next, I’m not sure if this matter at this stage of sending the medical DVs. The other CAs (a total of 3) reporting on my EQ and EX are from Worker’s Comp bills that my former employer did not pay. They are Round Two and 2 accounts with United Collection Bur. I recall sending United Collection Bur. letters several years ago advising them of the Worker’s Comp claim, but they never responded.

Finally, although I have not received the EX results in the mail, am I able to go ahead and send the medical DVs to the remaining CAs? Also, when I do send the DVs am I correct that a letter needs to be sent to each CA for each CRA they are reporting to - (For instance, since Round Two reports to EQ and EX, I would send Round Two, 2 DV letters in the same envelope)?

Edited April 24, 2013 by nachocredit1

[nachocredit1]

In addition to the second question above, Round Two is the only CA I received a letter from during initial dispute process. Does this mean I just send Round Two one letter and just enclose a copy of the letter they sent me?

 

Also, I have a CA that is reporting two separate accounts from different OCs. These two accounts are only reporting to EX. Do I send the medical DVs in separate envelopes for these?

[Why Chat]

If you have done all the preliminary steps and are at the point where you are ready to send a CA the medical DV you can list both accounts as they are reporting to Ex in one letter.

 

As to the follow up dispute-- NO, you send the CRA the copy of the medical DV you sent and a copy of your proof of their receipt. You do NOT send a copy of their response as their response is NOT a valid response.

[nachocredit1]

I'm sorry I have further questions:

 

Medical DV Questions:

1. Do I wait to receive Ex results before sending medical DVs? I checked B* and confirmed the disputes were resolved with nothing deleted.

 

2. In the explanation of the medical DV am I suppose to send the CAs who are reporting to more than one CRA, a medical DV letter for each CRA that they are reporting to? For example, Meade is reporting to both EQ and EX. They never sent me any communication. In the medical DV instructions, you mention to note the CRA that the CA is reporting to. Do I send two medical DV letters to Round Two in the same envelope for each CRA they are reporting to? Or would I just send one medical DV mention all three CRAs in the appropriate place in the letter?

 

Follow-up CRA Questions (to be sent once green card is returned):

Do I just send the CRA a separate letter for each CA reporting to them and a copy of the medical DV? For instance, I have both Meade and Round Two reporting to EQ. Would I send two follow-up dispute letters in the same envelope to EQ, along with copies of the medical DV?

 

 

 

Thanks again for all your help!!

Edited April 24, 2013 by nachocredit1

[Why Chat]

I'm sorry I have further questions:

 

Medical DV Questions:

1. Do I wait to receive Ex results before sending medical DVs? I checked B* and confirmed the disputes were resolved with nothing deleted. Yes. if you have disputes with other CRAs for the same account you should wait to find out if they deleted or verified as you would send a letter for EACH CRA to the CA in one envelope.

 

2. In the explanation of the medical DV am I suppose to send the CAs who are reporting to more than one CRA, a medical DV letter for each CRA that they are reporting to? For example, Meade is reporting to both EQ and EX. They never sent me any communication. In the medical DV instructions, you mention to note the CRA that the CA is reporting to. Do I send two medical DV letters to Round Two in the same envelope for each CRA they are reporting to? Or would I just send one medical DV mention all three CRAs in the appropriate place in the letter? You send a letter for each CRA in the same envelope, that way when you send each CRA the follow up dispute you will have a copy of THEIR medical DV letter to include without letting them know that it is reporting to other CRAs

 

Follow-up CRA Questions (to be sent once green card is returned):

Do I just send the CRA a separate letter for each CA reporting to them and a copy of the medical DV? For instance, I have both Meade and Round Two reporting to EQ. Would I send two follow-up dispute letters in the same envelope to EQ, along with copies of the medical DV? You can send all your copies and proofs of receipt in one letter to each CRA, list the correspondence in one follow up letter

 

 

 

Thanks again for all your help!!

[nachocredit1]

Hi Whychat,

 

I have a question regarding the timing between sending the Medical CA dispute and the CRA Follow-up. I believe I am to send the CRA Follow-up once I receive the green card from the Medical CA. One of the Medical CAs is local to me and I have already received the green card the day after the medical CA received the DV. Should I still send the follow-up to the CRA today or wait a couple days in case the CRA sees that I only gave the medical CA one day before submitting my follow-up to the CRA?

 

 

Thanks again for all of your help!

[Why Chat]

Hi Whychat,

 

I have a question regarding the timing between sending the Medical CA dispute and the CRA Follow-up. I believe I am to send the CRA Follow-up once I receive the green card from the Medical CA. One of the Medical CAs is local to me and I have already received the green card the day after the medical CA received the DV. Should I still send the follow-up to the CRA today or wait a couple days in case the CRA sees that I only gave the medical CA one day before submitting my follow-up to the CRA?

 

 

Thanks again for all of your help!

How would the CRAs know what the time frame was?? IF your "local" CA were to immediately respond to your medical DV they would have done so simultaneously with your reseipt of the green card. You can wait 10 days if you wish to.

[nachocredit1]

 

Hi Whychat,

 

I have a question regarding the timing between sending the Medical CA dispute and the CRA Follow-up. I believe I am to send the CRA Follow-up once I receive the green card from the Medical CA. One of the Medical CAs is local to me and I have already received the green card the day after the medical CA received the DV. Should I still send the follow-up to the CRA today or wait a couple days in case the CRA sees that I only gave the medical CA one day before submitting my follow-up to the CRA?

 

 

Thanks again for all of your help!

How would the CRAs know what the time frame was?? IF your "local" CA were to immediately respond to your medical DV they would have done so simultaneously with your reseipt of the green card. You can wait 10 days if you wish to. The green cards have the date of delivery listed on them. I'm trying to make sure I have all my ducks in a row.

Edited April 27, 2013 by nachocredit1

[nachocredit1]

Weird Update:

 

The "local" CA (Meade) has responded to my medical DV with what appears to be a legitimate statement from the physician. This is odd because I also received a statement and other info from a attorney/ca (Cox) that is attempting to collect on this same medical debt. I guess I'll need to come up with the money to pay the OC in full because this seems as though it will turn ugly. I mean I don't know which CA is the legitimate collector or if these two are working together. Also, I was only able to get the Follow-up dispute off with TU for this debt. The "local" CA, Meade, is reporting to all CRAs. The attorney/CA, COX, is not reporting at all.

 

Another medical CA, Round Two, has fallen off of EQ after verifying the debt a couple of weeks ago. I was able to see this using the EQ B*.

 

So here is where I stand with the CRAs:

 

TU: Only Meade reporting and TU has received the Follow-up dispute.

EQ: Only Meade reporting. Just found that Round Two fell off within the last few days, while I was waiting on the green card from the medical DV.

EX: All medical CAs still reporting, including Meade, Round Two, and two accounts with United Collect Bur. I'll check the EX B* before sending them Follow-UP dispute.

[Why Chat]

Weird Update:

 

The "local" CA (Meade) has responded to my medical DV with what appears to be a legitimate statement from the physician. This is odd because I also received a statement and other info from a attorney/ca (Cox) that is attempting to collect on this same medical debt. I guess I'll need to come up with the money to pay the OC in full because this seems as though it will turn ugly. I mean I don't know which CA is the legitimate collector or if these two are working together. Also, I was only able to get the Follow-up dispute off with TU for this debt. The "local" CA, Meade, is reporting to all CRAs. The attorney/CA, COX, is not reporting at all.

 

Another medical CA, Round Two, has fallen off of EQ after verifying the debt a couple of weeks ago. I was able to see this using the EQ B*.

 

So here is where I stand with the CRAs:

 

TU: Only Meade reporting and TU has received the Follow-up dispute.

EQ: Only Meade reporting. Just found that Round Two fell off within the last few days, while I was waiting on the green card from the medical DV.

EX: All medical CAs still reporting, including Meade, Round Two, and two accounts with United Collect Bur. I'll check the EX B* before sending them Follow-UP dispute.

How old is the account that you THINK was verified and is in the hands of TWO CAs??

 

If it is more than 4 years since the date of service you are beyond the legal SOL for being sued and the "lawyer" threat is an empty one ( and illegal).

 

Did you send the medical DV to the "lawyer"??

[nachocredit1]

 

Weird Update:

 

The "local" CA (Meade) has responded to my medical DV with what appears to be a legitimate statement from the physician. This is odd because I also received a statement and other info from a attorney/ca (Cox) that is attempting to collect on this same medical debt. I guess I'll need to come up with the money to pay the OC in full because this seems as though it will turn ugly. I mean I don't know which CA is the legitimate collector or if these two are working together. Also, I was only able to get the Follow-up dispute off with TU for this debt. The "local" CA, Meade, is reporting to all CRAs. The attorney/CA, COX, is not reporting at all.

 

Another medical CA, Round Two, has fallen off of EQ after verifying the debt a couple of weeks ago. I was able to see this using the EQ B*.

 

So here is where I stand with the CRAs:

 

TU: Only Meade reporting and TU has received the Follow-up dispute.

EQ: Only Meade reporting. Just found that Round Two fell off within the last few days, while I was waiting on the green card from the medical DV.

EX: All medical CAs still reporting, including Meade, Round Two, and two accounts with United Collect Bur. I'll check the EX B* before sending them Follow-UP dispute.

How old is the account that you THINK was verified and is in the hands of TWO CAs?? It was in 02/11.

 

If it is more than 4 years since the date of service you are beyond the legal SOL for being sued and the "lawyer" threat is an empty one ( and illegal).

 

Did you send the medical DV to the "lawyer"?? Yes, I did it in back in Feb. this year.

[Why Chat]

If you have an account reporting that was within the past 2 years and was verified by the CRAs and is reporting as disputed by consumer and for which you have received adequate documentation from the reporting CA of a current relationship between them and the OC, then pay it with the HIPAA letter insert "a". If you believe that the charges are improper, go to the link in insert"a" and look up the correct charges and use that figure with the documentation to make the payment. List BOTH CAs in the HIPAA letter.

[nachocredit1]

Hi again, ok this is another weird situation. So, the medical CA I thought was gone from Equifax has returned. The issue is I removed this CA from my follow-up CRA dispute. I confirmed that Equifax began my dispute a week ago. However, the funny thing is Equifax opened another dispute this past Sunday for a dispute that I have not clue about. I can see this on the dispute confirmation page where it lists all disputes and confirmation numbers from the past year.

 

I checked Equifax B* and the only TL showing a dispute is the one from the medical DV, which is correct. I can confirm it's not a fraud alert because they weirdly placed a 7 year fraud alert on my credit report from the first medical CRA dispute last month. Is it possible these people have placed a freeze on my Equifax file?

 

At this point I'm not sure if I should wait until the current disputes are completed or go ahead and submit the follow-up dispute for the medical CRA that I excluded b/c I thought it was deleted?

[nachocredit1]

Bump

[Why Chat]

You may have a split file.

 

There is no such thing as a "7 year fraud alert" there is a 90 day fraud alert and a permanent fraud alert for those who have very common names and who request it.

 

I suggest you wait until you see what happens with your current disputes and double check your report at that time.

 

A split file is VERY difficult to fix and requires a completely different approach than a normal dispute.

[nachocredit1]

Oh D$#%, this is gonna be crazy then!! Yeah it shows the "fraud alert" expiring in 2020.

 

This is crazy as the most accounts I have had is 20 in all. I guess that confirms them having a BK with one court address online and then when I am mailed a copy of my credit report it shows another court address. It's the same way for my DH as well.

[Why Chat]

Get current copies of all your reports.

 

You are going to have to stop all disputes with Eq until you get this straightened out.

 

 

Write a letter about the problem to the credit bureau that
is reporting the split file. A split credit report is considered a major
inaccuracy. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires all credit bureaus
to investigate all consumer complaints concerning credit reporting
errors.

• 
  3
  
  
  

  
  

  Include a copy of the credit report that you believe to be
  split. If your other two credit reports are accurate, include a copy of
  each to demonstrate the accounts that are missing.

  
  
  
  
• 
  4
  
  
  

  
  

  Wait 30 days for the credit bureau to investigate your claim
  of a split credit file. During this time period, the credit bureau
  should be able to combine your personal information and accounts back
  into one credit report. You will then be mailed a copy of the updated
  and complete report to review.

  
  
  
  

Read more: How to Fix Split Credit Files | eHow http://www.ehow.com/how_5891331_fix-split-credit-files.html#ixzz2TUNJi91i

Edited May 16, 2013 by Why Chat

[nachocredit1]

Thanks so much Whychat!!! I truly appreciate it. I notice the differences appear to be between what they show online and what is mailed to me. I will gather as much info as possible. My DH opened a complaint with the CFPB, not knowing there was a possibility of a split file, but b/c they were leaving disputes open the court addresses differed from the court addresses showing online.

Edited May 16, 2013 by nachocredit1