Court Summons

[droperjr]

What is the name of your state? Indiana

In August 2002 my wife had a mamogram done and we received a bill from the radiologist that my insurance should have paid. My wife talked to both the insurance and doctor's office and they were to resubmit. Nothing else was heard from this until 6-7 months ago when a collections letter came to us. I personally called the insurance, Dr's office and collections company and again they were to resubmit. I asked all 3 parties to notify me if there was any problem since I hadn't received a bill in a year and half they claimed they tried to sollect from me. Again nothing until last night, my wife received a summons to appear in court because we hadn't paid. I already have my insurance sending me everthing they have on this Dr and the claims filed. My question is, is there a specified number of attempts they have to try and collect before they send it to collections or take me to court. I have no problem paying a bill if it's mine but I don't think I should have to pay interest (8%!) or their collection fees since they didn't make a real effort to collect.

 

[Ladynred]

My question is, is there a specified number of attempts they have to try and collect before they send it to collections or take me to court.

Nope, nothing like that at all. If the bill isn't paid in full within 90 days, most medical providers will send it to collections no matter what. The fact is, the liability for the bill lies with the patient anyway. When a dr's office files the claim for you its a courtesy, not a requirement, and if the insurance doesn't pay, then you have to. They can't charge you 'collection fees' anyway, in most states that's just not allowed.

 

[droperjr]

my problem is that they have never had a claim rejected according to my insurance so how am I or my insurance to know if they don't send me a statement? Like I said I don't mind paying my bill but to collect for their cost in pushing it this far is unfair as I have tried to work with them to get them their money. Hope I don't get a crabby judge I guess.

 

[Ladynred]

If the insurance company processed the claim then you SHOULD have gotten an EOB - explanation of benefits statement showing what the amount was, what the covered amount is and what, if any, is yours left over to pay. Contact the insurance company and tell them you want the EOB if they processed the claim.