Legal Question in Consumer Law in Missouri

Generally, one may not add costs for cellection of the debt. In many cases, a jusge will grant a successful plaintiff theri court costs in addition to the clamed amount. But, genreally, one may not get more thatn they are owed plus statutory interest. However, many if not nearly all medicla practices have patients sign a financial responsibilty agreement before they are seen on the fday of their first appointment, before they are ever seen by the doctor. It is ussual part of the stachk of forms they hand out with a clip board. Chances may be good that you signed one of these in the medical office. If you did, then they may be able to get a reasoanble amount as collection costs or attorney fees. If you did nto execute one of those agreements, then you may have a good claim that you do nto owe the 33% addition to yrou bill.

Good luck