I'm not familiar at all with what happens when you don't pay a bill, so could do with some information on the consequences and process I can expect to go through.
Last year, one of my kids had their annual medical. We began to get a bill for a small amount that the insurance didn't pay out. The reason was that according to national guidelines, the test in question only needs to be carried out every few years and the doctor performed it too frequently.
We were not told that this item was not covered when the test was carried out. The doctor and facility were the same we had always used so should have known and told us.
Several weeks ago, the facility sent a letter telling us that they would pass this small amount to a collection agency (after I ignored their bills thinking they would write it off). We called the facility and explained that we never authorized any work outside of the allowance. They said they would get back to us.
That was several weeks ago. Today, I got another bill.
If I refuse to pay, what exactly happens when this goes to a collection agency. What adverse things can go on my record? Or can I contest it with the collection agency before any adverse record is made?
Is there any wording or message I can send to the facility to get them to write this off?
Last year, one of my kids had their annual medical. We began to get a bill for a small amount that the insurance didn't pay out. The reason was that according to national guidelines, the test in question only needs to be carried out every few years and the doctor performed it too frequently.
We were not told that this item was not covered when the test was carried out. The doctor and facility were the same we had always used so should have known and told us.
Several weeks ago, the facility sent a letter telling us that they would pass this small amount to a collection agency (after I ignored their bills thinking they would write it off). We called the facility and explained that we never authorized any work outside of the allowance. They said they would get back to us.
That was several weeks ago. Today, I got another bill.
If I refuse to pay, what exactly happens when this goes to a collection agency. What adverse things can go on my record? Or can I contest it with the collection agency before any adverse record is made?
Is there any wording or message I can send to the facility to get them to write this off?