Legal Question in Consumer Law in Texas

Went in for surgery, the anesthesiologist was unable to get the breathing tube down my throat and I had to reschedule for another try. Both the doctor and anesthesiologist received payment from the insurance companies and waived my portion due to the situation. The hospital received insurance payments but did not and will not waive my portion due of $163.00. It's not the amount but the principle of the matter. I tried to talk to mangement in their billing department but they would not do anything. They have turned it over to an inside collection agency that is now charging interest and late fees. I have excellent credit and do not want it tarnished. Should I just pay it or do I have any legal outs in this matter. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thank you, FRUSTRATED!


Asked on 5/24/10, 3:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Dunn Mark D. Dunn

1. Stop using the telephone. Start writing paper letters. Keep copies of all letters that you mail out. Buy some 44-cent stamps.

2. If the collection Nazis call you, hang up the phone (after telling them that you've decided that all communication will be in writing from now on).

3. Don't pay the $163.00.

4. Write to the hospital and tell them that you don't owe the money, and that you aren't going to pay it.

5. Write to all three of the credit reporting bureaus, and tell them what happened. The addresses can be found here:

http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/credit_bureaus.html

You're right. It's not the amount, it's the principle.

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Answered on 5/25/10, 3:01 pm


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