medical/Hospital Collection Question

Yes. It will be a generic entry, such as "medical payment data."

I think it's possible to report any outstanding balance if it is gone to collections. You have to pay the balance to the collector and get your file updated. Make sure that they are authorized to collect on your account.

Yes this is like any other debt. It's written in the HMO's contract that you sign with them.

But it isnt the HMO that deals with this--it is the hospital or doctor that provided the services to you. Ever notice when you go to the ER that you have to sign a form that says you agree to pay whatever insurance doesnt cover? The HMO doesnt go after you, because they are not the ones that you promised to pay the remaining balance to. As with any debt, I recommend that you request validation in writing, because you never know if the CA actually has the right to collect on the account. Even if you know the debt is yours, request validation. This is to protect against you paying a CA that didnt have the legal right to the account. If you pay the wrong CA the money, you will have a great time trying to get it back or credited to the original debt....

As long as the hospital & credit bureau are in compliance with the Hippa provisions of privacy rules,they can report on the debt. Validate debt with ca& attempt to do a pay for delete or ask hospital to recall debt & then do a pay for delete with hospital.