r/CRedit • u/2coniglietti • 13d ago

Collections & Charge Offs $10.18 medical bill sent to collections unknowingly

I live in Texas. Had an MRI done Dec 2023 using insurance with a local facility, and received a single bill from them for $10.18 (patient responsibility) in late June 2025…18 months later. It was just a normal statement, no due date, no “past due” indication, nothing.

I put it aside and forgot about it, and figured if it was legit they’d bill me again. Fast forward today, 6 or 7 weeks later, and I get a letter that my debt was given over to collections and now I owe $407. None of the numbers match anything from the bill I received in June.

What are my next steps here? I’ve never had something go to collections, credit score is 830. Tried to find any EOB about it via my insurance app but the system doesn’t even go back that far.

This is dumb.

13 Upvotes

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3

u/TheFilthiestMuggle 13d ago

Medical billing is such a racket

Just call the original facility first and ask for itemized records going back to your MRI. They might pull it back from collections if you explain the situation

2

u/Dogein 13d ago

That's insane bro $10 to $407 in 6 weeks? Medical billing is such a scam sometimes

Try to call the original provider first and ask for itemized billing records. They might pull it back from collections if you explain the situation also dispute it with the credit bureaus since the amounts don't even match. Document everything

2

u/Feliznuevoano 13d ago

I get u bro try to call the provider and your insurance to get detailed info on the charges. Also reach out to the collections agency and ask for proof. If something doesn’t add up consider talking to a consumer rights expert or credit counselor. Stay persistent and keep good records of everything

1

u/RedditAppIsShit 13d ago

with your 830 credit score, you're in a strong position. don't let them intimidate you into paying an unvalidated debt. the 18-month delay and amount discrepancy suggest this collection agency may not have proper documentation..

1

u/2coniglietti 13d ago

This is good to hear, but how does a strong credit score help?

2

u/going410thewin 10d ago

Medical debt under $500 is still not reported on credit report. This was a decision made by all the credit bureaus a few years ago. This is separate from the recent change.