Items 1 through 10 should all be provided
on the validation notice. Number 10 specifically should include the Date-of-service or DOS for the medical debt.
Many consumers do not realize that
medical debt goes to collections just like
any other consumer debt. They mistakenly believe that their insurance company will
resolve the issue. Also with extensive medical bills ( inpatient surgical stay)
consumers have professional bills from each physician ( radiology, pathology, etc)
in addition to technical component bills
for the facility. Many times the consumer never sees these medical providers and
either mistakes the bill for another aspect of the service rendered or, again, just assumes the bill/debt will "be taken care of". additionally the name of the consumer's insurance Co./plan on the validation notice would be quite helpful.
This may seem to be a great deal of extra information but the originating physician and/or facility obtain this information at the time of or prior to service.
When calling about a debt, debt collectors
MUST verify that they are speaking to the
debtor(s) or other adult within the household. I know that is stated within the
FDCPA but from experience I know it doesn't always happen. My situation goes back to the 1970's but it was done then
and it's probably still being done today.
Calling repeatedly, threatening, screaming,
cursing at children gets collectors absolutely nowhere. It is a most disgusting form of abuse that should never be
tolerated.New language in the FDCPA should specifically and clearly state this.
Additionally, there should be some form
of penalty for collectors who engage in this
demeaning and useless practice.
CaliG
1
Items 1 through 10 should all be provided on the validation notice. Number 10 specifically should include the Date-of-service or DOS for the medical debt. Many consumers do not realize that medical debt goes to collections just like any other consumer debt. They mistakenly believe that their insurance company will resolve the issue. Also with extensive medical bills ( inpatient surgical stay) consumers have professional bills from each physician ( radiology, pathology, etc) in addition to technical component bills for the facility. Many times the consumer never sees these medical providers and either mistakes the bill for another aspect of the service rendered or, again, just assumes the bill/debt will "be taken care of". additionally the name of the consumer's insurance Co./plan on the validation notice would be quite helpful. This may seem to be a great deal of extra information but the originating physician and/or facility obtain this information at the time of or prior to service.
View this comment in the discussion thread
CaliG
2
When calling about a debt, debt collectors MUST verify that they are speaking to the debtor(s) or other adult within the household. I know that is stated within the FDCPA but from experience I know it doesn't always happen. My situation goes back to the 1970's but it was done then and it's probably still being done today. Calling repeatedly, threatening, screaming, cursing at children gets collectors absolutely nowhere. It is a most disgusting form of abuse that should never be tolerated.New language in the FDCPA should specifically and clearly state this. Additionally, there should be some form of penalty for collectors who engage in this demeaning and useless practice.
View this comment in the discussion thread