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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. 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. 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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