Utility/Medical Collections vs CC's

I've read quite a bit about dealing with negative credit card items in my credit file but I'm confused about some of my other items.

My current collection accounts include a medical bill, an old phone bill and an old cable bill. All are being handled by CA's.

If I pay these collection accounts...will they list as paid collection accounts for an additional seven years on my file? If I can't dispute them, am I better off waiting for them to drop since they are all under $300?

Thanks in advance!