I just got my first collection agency call, from Golden State (209-858-2850). I have not returned their call yet because I don't want to proceed incorrectly.
The charges were from 2008 and 2009 from a visit to a doctor that I actually only visited two times. I had different insurance during each of the visits and somehow they must have had a problem getting the first to pay, and I never heard from them about it till now, years later from a collector - though they claim to have sent mailings and made phone calls. In 2009 I missed an appointment and was charged a no-show (which I found out, was increased in the total sent to the CA). On top of that, the doctor added a delinquent finance charge.
Not sure if the debt was assigned or sold, as it is quite difficult to reach the office manager of the doctor. I don't know how much the CA is asking for yet and I don't want to ruin any chances I may have of clearing it right now, so it doesn't affect my employment in the future.
What should be the next logical step in my situation?
Argh, you could start by asking for debt validation. If you do know the debt is yours and this collection place is collecting on the behalf of the doctor himself then you could try to settle the debt and ask for a pay for delete. Is the office near you that maybe you could just go down and ask to speak with someone in the billing dept? One thing I do know is that they can indeed charge for a no show or late cancellation. This is because they could have scheduled in another appointment had you cancelled in advance. good luck
next step
Hi Argh,
Your first step in this case should be debt validation. Send a validation letter to the collection agency through certified mail, requesting a return receipt. You will get a sample letter at http://www.creditmagic.org/repair/sampleletter-debtvalidation.html. You can use this letter to write one of your own.
Thanks,
Aaron
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