A “Sample Letter To Dispute a Medical Collection” is a pre-written template. You can use it to challenge a medical debt on your credit report. You might need this letter if you believe you don’t owe the money. Perhaps you already paid the bill, or there was an error.
This article provides sample letters. We want to make it easier for you. You can utilize these samples as a starting point. Tailor them to your specific situation.
We offer examples that address common scenarios. You will learn how to dispute incorrect charges. You will also learn how to request proof of the debt. Let’s get started!
Sample Letter To Dispute A Medical Collection
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Regarding: Account Number [Collection Account Number]
Patient Name: [Your Name]
Date of Service: [Date of Medical Service]
I am writing to dispute the debt you claim I owe for medical services provided on [Date of Medical Service]. I received your notice dated [Date of Collection Agency Notice].
I am disputing this debt because [Choose one or more reasons and elaborate]:
I have already paid this bill. I have attached a copy of my payment (check number, date, amount).
I was covered by insurance at the time of service. My insurance information is as follows: [Insurance Company Name], [Policy Number], [Group Number]. Please bill my insurance company.
The bill includes charges for services I did not receive. Please provide a detailed itemized bill of the services I received on this date.
I do not believe I owe this amount. [Explain why you do not believe you owe the amount. For example: I was overcharged. The service was not authorized. The service was not medically necessary.]
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting validation of this debt. Please provide me with the following information:
The original creditor’s name and address.
A copy of the original bill.
Documentation that proves I am responsible for this debt.
I am requesting that you cease all communication with me regarding this debt until you provide the requested information.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
How to Write Sample Letter To Dispute a Medical Collection
1. Subject Line: Asserting Your Position
- The subject line should be concise yet indicative of the letter’s purpose.
- Examples: “Dispute of Medical Collection – Account #[Your Account Number]” or “Formal Contestation of Medical Collection Notice.”
- Avoid ambiguity; clarity curtails unnecessary delays.
2. Salutation: A Formal Overture
- Address the letter to a specific individual if possible. Research the collections agency.
- If a name is unavailable, use “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Maintain a professional tone. Avoid colloquialisms.
3. Body: The Heart of Your Grievance
- Begin by unequivocally stating your intent to dispute the debt. For instance, “I am writing to formally dispute the alleged debt referenced above.”
- Furnish the account number in question, the name of the medical provider, and the date of service.
- Elaborate on the reasons for the dispute. Was there a billing error? Did you already pay? Did you not receive services? Be specific.
- If applicable, mention HIPAA violations or lack of prior notification.
- “My records indicate I remitted payment in full on [Date]. Enclosed is a copy of the cancelled check.”
4. Demanding Substantiation: The Validation Gambit
- Request validation of the debt. This is your right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
- Specify precisely what documentation you require: An itemized bill, proof of the original debt, and evidence the collection agency is legally entitled to collect.
- A phrase such as “Pursuant to the FDCPA, I demand complete validation of this alleged debt” is apposite.
5. Cease Communication Directive: Curtailing the Barrage
- You have the right to request that the collection agency cease communication, albeit with limitations.
- State clearly, “I request that all communication regarding this alleged debt cease immediately, except for the debt validation documents requested above.”
- Be cognizant that they can still pursue legal action, even with this request.
6. Setting a Deadline: Imposing a Temporal Constraint
- Establish a reasonable deadline for a response. This demonstrates seriousness.
- Thirty days is often considered acceptable.
- “I expect a response within 30 days of the date of this letter. Failure to provide the requested documentation will be construed as an admission that the debt is invalid.”
7. Closing: A Professional Farewell
- Use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
- Print your name, then sign above it.
- Include your contact information (address, phone number—optional).
- Retain a copy of the letter and any enclosures for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions: Disputing a Medical Collection
Navigating medical collections can be complex. This FAQ addresses common queries related to drafting a dispute letter.
What information should I include in my dispute letter?
Your letter should include your name, address, date of birth, the account number associated with the debt, the name of the collection agency, the name of the original creditor, the amount of the debt, and a clear explanation of why you are disputing the debt.
Where should I send my dispute letter?
Send the dispute letter to the collection agency listed on the collection notice. It is recommended to send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure proof of delivery.
What documentation should I include with my dispute letter?
Include copies of any relevant documentation that supports your dispute, such as insurance information, payment records, or explanations of benefits (EOBs) from your insurance provider. Do not send original documents.
What happens after I send my dispute letter?
The collection agency is legally required to investigate your dispute. They must cease collection activities until they have verified the debt. They will then provide you with verification of the debt or notify you that the debt is considered valid.
What if the collection agency doesn’t respond to my dispute?
If the collection agency fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days), or if they continue collection activities without verifying the debt, you may have grounds to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s Attorney General’s office.
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