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I do not have any debt in the past 10 years in US. I have good credit score 715+. This has been the case from the beginning. Of late, I had a minor medical emergency and my insurance paid some amount and medical office sent another bill for $250. (yes, its not a big amount). But I doubt this is too high for the treatment done (Just a band-aid for burns and prescription). However, I was not in town and its been more than 3 months. I completely forgot amidst other things. I got a collection notice to pay the amount in 30 days.

Should I just ignore this or pay the amount? Though its not a big amount, I feel they are trying to pull more money.

If I ignore, how does it affect my credit score and how long will that appear on my Credit Report?

If I pay off that amount, will that have again some effect on my Credit Score?

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  • Wait, are you saying that the bill is incorrect in some way? That they are double billing you for the same service?
    – JohnFx ♦
    Aug 15, 2014 at 19:55
  • Over billing for the service!
    – Kint Kant
    Aug 15, 2014 at 20:46
  • What I'm asking is whether it is a legitimate charge, or you just think it was too expensive.
    – JohnFx ♦
    Aug 15, 2014 at 20:59
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    In that case I'd say pay it. It sucks, but you can't exactly negotiate after you have been provided the service.
    – JohnFx ♦
    Aug 15, 2014 at 21:19
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    I pricked my finger on a rusty nail. Went for a tetanus shot. Nurse gave me the shot and bandaide. They said a doctor was coming to check me out. I tried to run out but he walked into the room, $200 to walk in. He literally did nothing. The nurse gave me the shot. $350 total. $50 for serum, $100 nurse, and $200 for the doctor. So, yes, I feel your pain.
    – JTP - Apologise to Monica ♦
    Aug 16, 2014 at 0:08

1 Answer 1

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This can create a black mark on your report that can be far more costly than the $250.

A debate over 'fair or reasonable' isn't on topic here. I am simply offering you the fact that in a few years, you might be charged 1/8% more on a loan, and that may cost you thousands.

In response to the comment/question below, when I went to CreditKarma and asked for a score simulation if I had a default on my record, I got this:

enter image description here

a 32 point drop.

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  • Thanks for the input. Do you know how much does this affect to score? Currently, lets say I have 715
    – Kint Kant
    Aug 15, 2014 at 20:47
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    This is a practical answer, but shouldn't the real answer be that you should pay it because it is the ethical thing to do?
    – JohnFx ♦
    Aug 16, 2014 at 0:05
  • @JohnFx - perhaps. But had I answered with only that, I'd be voted down as not directly answering the question. OP didn't ask right or wrong, but how it would impact his score.
    – JTP - Apologise to Monica ♦
    Aug 16, 2014 at 0:33
  • @JoeTaxpayer That was more directed at OP than you. This is a good answer based on what was asked.
    – JohnFx ♦
    Aug 16, 2014 at 1:52

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