2014 Medical Debt - Not on Credit Report

[nikkihouse]

I tried to schedule an appointment with my doctor the other day, I was informed I have a past due bill that was sent to collections in 2014. This bill has never shown up on my credit. I called today and asked they send me an itemized bill, I’m not sure if this debt valid or not. I had insurance in 2014, I wonder if there was a misstep with the doctor’s office sending the bill to insurance company then contacting me for the remaining payment. I do not want to take the chance of paying on something (if it’s not valid) then it shows up on my credit. 

Should I follow this path (if it’s valid) of paying the debt with a bank check or money order with an endorsement on the back "for deposit only to the account of (name of Dr.) using https://whychat.me/hipltr.html insert "a?" Should I contact my insurance company from 2014 to see what was paid and what was not? Not sure how to proceed since I haven’t been contacted and this is not on my credit. I've used WhyChat's method before but not in a situation like this.  

[Why Chat]

It is waaaay too old for your insurance Co to have a record of. Have you seen this Dr since 2014?? Have you received any communication of any kind from this Dr since 2014??

 

I suggest you get proof of the account from the doctor's office before paying them a RED CENT. This may be a scam. 

 

Switch doctors

[nikkihouse]

On 2/1/2021 at 12:08 PM, Why Chat said:

It is waaaay too old for your insurance Co to have a record of. Have you seen this Dr since 2014?? Have you received any communication of any kind from this Dr since 2014??

 

I suggest you get proof of the account from the doctor's office before paying them a RED CENT. This may be a scam. 

 

Switch doctors

I talked to the billing department. I had them send me an itemized receipt, which they did. Up until I called I didn't know about the bill or that I owed anything. They won't let me schedule an appointment until I pay the bill. This particular doctor is a specialist but not so special that I can't find another doctor who does the same thing. I'm leery of paying this bill because I have not way of knowing if it's correct or if it was processed through my insurance company. Some of the line items look like duplicates.

[Why Chat]

Get another doctor. Report the "bad billing" doctor to your State medical board

[nikkihouse]

I'll do just that. Thanks!

On 2/18/2021 at 8:27 PM, Why Chat said:

Get another doctor. Report the "bad billing" doctor to your State medical board