Hi everyone.

Well I have read the newbie section (probably not enough times) and feel I have an okay idea of what to do but I wanted to get clarification as well as state my situation.

I'm 22 years old and currently have 2 CCs, a capital one and an amex...both in good standing...no late payments. 5 total accounts, 4 of which are open...the 2 CCs and 2 student loans...all five are in good standing. My main problem is one collection item on all three of my credit reports.

In 2003 I went to the hospital to have an MRI on my shoulder. I was covered under my parents insurance at that time. I went and never got a bill (at least I don't remember it) and didn't think anything of it. Fast forward to about 8 months ago. I worked at a credit union and asked one of the people to pull my report because I was interested in getting a $2000 loan. They pulled the report and I was surprised to find a collection item for the hospital bill of $299. To my knowledge I never received any mail or phone calls regarding this. So at that point I started to research my options. Since I didn't think the charge was valid I did the online dispute with all 3 CRAs. After I didn't hear anything I just said screw it, I don't really care.

Well now that I foresee financing some things in the near future (ring, motorcycle, house) I have realized how important it is that I remove this item from my report.

Steps I have taken:
Opted out of all offers.
Pulled all three reports from annualcreditreport.com

All reports have the same information about this item and all have a note which states, "Account information disputed by consumer."

So my question is, should I go ahead and try to get all my old addresses removed? Also, should I send letters demanding verification of the account or try the 1-2 punch?

I'm kind of lost on my next step. Thanks for any help.

Ian

You should look into Whychat's HIPAA Process, it specifically deals with medical collections on your credit report.If you decide to go this route do not have any contact with the CA.

The first thing you should do is opt out(I see you have already done that) and delete old addresses.
Then send the medical dispute letter(below) to the CRA's. (following the directions carefully)

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

Check with your parents about this as well. As embarrassing as you think it might be, they might have the answers or at least point you in the insurance companies direction.

It sounds like it is one of the lab fees or the independent billing from the guy that reads and gives the MRI report, which should have been all part of the bill covered by your parents insurance, or if not gone towards the deductible, which your family probably met during that time period.