Back in May I went to the hospital twice over a two-week period. My father is a doctor at the hospital, and was the attending physician in this case, so when I never received a bill for either visit I didn't question it. I was just over at their house this evening and found a letter from a collection agency (Computer Collections INC.) demanding payment - apparently they sent this and several previous letters to my parent's house, which I haven't lived at for 10 years. How they got that address I have no idea, but now I'm considerably late on a bill, and may have another (for the second visit) outstanding.
My credit is very good, and the collection is currently not on my report. I'm also in the market for a house and need to maintain it as good. The medical bill is for a really trivial amount by any standard.
Obviously, I'll pay it ASAP - what's the best way to ensure that nothing goes on my credit report? Call the hospital, call the collection agency (and explain the situation), or just sent back payment? I'll also need to go about figuring out if there's another bill outstanding.
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
