In May of 2008 I was seen in a hospital for a procedure. I made arrangments with the hospital billing department and paid no less than $20 a month, usually $50+. I do not have the arrangements in writing, but do have proof of payments made. Now, with only $250 left to pay the OC sent it to a CA (only a couple days after they cashed September's payment). The collection agency sent me a notice, which I disputed, asking for verification of the debt and proof of a relationship between the CA and the OC. The CA sent verification of the debt from the hospital. This verification included the procedure (which would be protected health information). Therefore the hospital violated Hipaa. Now the CA has listed the debt on my credit report. I don't understand why they would send it to CA when I was making regular payments in the first place, but in less than a month it has ruined the credit that I have worked hard to repair. What can I do to fix this? Do I make my regular payment to the OC this month like I would any other month? How can I get them to remove it based on their Hipaa violation? Is there a sample letter for this? PLEASE HELP!

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