I had a medical procedure (Punch biopsy) done this past summer. I paid for the procedure at the time of the service. I was told then that I would be sent a bill from the lab in a week or so. Well I did receive a bill in the amount of $590.00 ( I realize this is going to sound very irresponsible) I had no idea the lab work would be this expensive. So, right away I sent them what I could afford to send at the time which was $30.00, And, I was hoping that if they accepted the partial payment I would not be turned over to collections. Well they did accept the payment and turned me over to collections anyway. I have received on a daily basis a phone call (which when answered only has a recording telling me to call some other # and it's long distance!) And I received this letter a few days ago: ------------------------------------------------- Sent to me: Date: 01/30/09 File # XXXX XXXX DOS: 07/11/08 (?) AXXXX Regarding: Associated Pathologists Chartered Amount $560.00 Since 11/17/08 this office has a documented file of every notice, telephone attempt and verbal contact made in pursuit of your delinquent payment obligation. Failure to respond to this notice will lead to additional recovery efforts in compliance with applicable State and Federal Law(s). Please remit full payment in the envelope provided or visit our secure website at warningnotice dot com Self service menu options include Paying online by check or credit card Establishing payment arrangements with this office Printing scheduled payment vouchers entering proof of prior payment In accordanance with Federal Law, the following warning notice is required. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. This communication was sent from a debt collector. ------------------------------------------------- I'm not sure what I should do. I was under the impression that if I sent them some kind of payment they most likely would allow me to make a payment arrangement with them and not turn me over to collections...I was wrong. I really would like to just pay this off. But that just isn't possible at this time. I have been out of work for the last couple of months. I work in the construction industry, and work in my area (Las Vegas) has slowed down to less than a crawl. I could afford to send a small payment monthly, but I'd rather not make payments to a collection agency, unless of corse I have no other choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Yeah, unless you have already established a payment schedule, a token payment won't automatically set you up on one. Since this is a fairly new debt, they might still be willing to accept a payment plan. Send a calm, professional letter via certified mail with return receipt. Keep it brief and to the point. Something like: "Dear (company), Due to a recent employment change it would be very difficult for me to pay the amount you have requested. Without admitting liability for or validity of any alleged debt, I am offering to make monthly payments in the amount of $xx.xx. Please contact me immediately in writing if you find this acceptable. It is inconvenient for me to receive phone calls on this matter." Some people will probably advise you to dispute the amount first. In that case, try "Dear (company), I dispute the above-referenced alleged debt in its entirety. Please validate said alleged debt and provide proof of such to my address above." Whether you dispute or not is up to you. There's no harm in doing so. But if you know the debt is yours and you want to pay it, I wouldn't bother. I know times are tight, but $590 seems like it could be knocked out pretty easily over the span of a year or even two. You could also imply that you're considering bankruptcy. Someone with more experience should probably weigh in on this option, though. I always thought saying this would trigger a crapstorm of threats and legal action.
