Old Doctor Bill

August 13, 2006 by bob.

Q. I have been contacted by a collection agency over a doctor bill from 3 years ago that has not been paid. I assumed the insurance company paid this bill since I stopped receiving bills from the doctor some time ago. I don’t think I should pay this since so much time has passed. How can I make this go away?

A. So, let me see if I have this straight.

You were treated by the doctor, the doctor sent you a bill, you did not pay it, now you think you don’t owe the money.

Why would you think you don’t owe?

When services are rendered you are expected to pay, either at time of service or when billed. You just ASSUMED the carrier would/did pay rather than following up.

You should ALWAYS track your medical bills and match them against EOB’s. Failure to do so leads to these kind of issues.

Now the bill has gone to collections (that should tell you something) and your credit has been damaged. Continuing to ignore the bill will only make things worse.

If you want to make it go away, send a check.

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