collection on old medical bill

What is the name of your state? ut

i received a collection call for a medical bill that the date of service was 4/1998. the bill was submited to the c.a. for 341.48 (i know this is a small amt but to us right now this is alot) the interest has accrued to 518.00. the c.a. said they would drop all the interest if we paid it in full within a month. i have tried to contact the doctors office and am getting no reply. the c.a. said it was for
blood work, and the only blood work i have ever had was when i
was pregnant, and i was definately not pregnant at this time. i am afraid if i take the time to find out if this is a legitimate claim that i will lose the opportunity to pay the lesser amt, and if i do end up paying this i would rather pay the lesser (wouldnt anyone)

a few facts: this supposed outstanding bill has NEVER shown up on my credit report (we have purchased a home since), and, i have NEVER received any kind of notification of this debt until now.

i know the SOL in utah is 4 years for open account and 6 years
for written contract. which one does medical bills fall under?
do i have a leg to stand on if i dispute this?

please help! thanks!

You should be entitled to a copy of the bill you are being requested to pay !!
Call them back and request a copy of the bill they allege you owe for your reveiw.Tell them you request this imidiatly,since they made you an offer to pay by a date,and they will waive interest fees.
Advise them again you do-not recall having blood work-up at the time they specified.
Are you sure the blood work wasn't for the child ?
If once you get the bill and you dispute it,contact the consumers affairs office of your Attorney General for a Complaint Form.
If it's a bogus bill,and you ask for a copy. They will most likely drop it.
It may be possible you have the same name as another patient.It happened w/ my g/f with a Utility bill.Once DOBs & SS#s were ckecked,it was cleared up.

[bigun]

Quit calling and start writing. In writing, demand that they validate the debt. Send the letter CRRR.
In the meantime, try contacting the doctor and see if there is a billing error.

Thanks for the info! I'll mail letters ASAP.

The one question I didn't get an answer on, which I'm still curious... Does medical bills fall under open acct or written contract on the SOL?

This would help me a bunch! Thanks

[Ladynred]

Actually, medical bills fall under the UCC as goods and services. SOL for that is 4 years.