What to Do When an Urgent Care Clinic Sends Your Paid Bill to Collections
At TrustDALE, we often hear from consumers dealing with confusing and frustrating billing issues. Jared recently asked us for advice:
"My urgent care clinic billed me after I paid in full. Now, they’ve sent the bill to collections! What do I do?"
Unfortunately, this is a common problem, but it’s one that can be resolved if you act quickly and take the right steps. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Contact the Clinic Directly
Medical billing mistakes happen more often than you might think. Start by reaching out to the clinic to address the error. Bring proof of payment, such as a receipt or a bank statement, to show that your bill was paid in full. Politely but firmly request that they correct the mistake and notify the collections agency.
Step 2: Dispute the Debt with the Collection Agency
If a debt collector contacts you, don’t panic. You have the right to dispute the debt, and it’s important to do this in writing. Send a letter to the collection agency explaining the situation and include any proof of payment you have.
Step 3: Check Your Credit Reports
It’s also a good idea to check your credit reports to see if this erroneous debt has been reported. If it appears on your credit report, file a dispute with the credit reporting agencies to have it removed.
Step 4: Stay Calm and Persistent
Billing errors can be frustrating, but most can be resolved with patience and persistence. Keep records of all communications, including dates, times, and the names of the people you spoke with.
For a more detailed explanation of these steps, watch Dale's advice in the video linked below:
👉 Watch the Video Here
At TrustDALE, we’re here to help you navigate these kinds of challenges. If you’re facing an issue with a company and need guidance, submit your question, and you might see it featured in our next blog!
