Debt. Collection,Dental
My wifes Dentist is taking us to small claims. The dentist does not take insurance. Instead we were told they would send our ins. company a predetermination, then we would work out the balance. The estimate was 2500. the insurance covered 1000. We had the work done, then the book started harrasing us. I was sending 100 a month. I missed 1 month then she refused the next payment. I have received no statements from the dentist,I nor my wife have signed any agreement with the dentist, and the bookeeper is not discreet. I hung up on her and heard her in the background (when I called to speak to the dentist) ranting and raving. 1. Can she refuse a payment 1 day and march into Small claims the next day? 2 Have my HIPPA rights been violated since she announces procedure and payment info in a public setting? Her office connects to the waiting room, And I did here my name in her rants as I was on the phone.
Asked on 1/19/07, 7:30 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr.
Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.
Re: Debt. Collection,Dental
If you have no agreement to pay a certain amount by a certain time, they cannot refuse a payment and then go into court. They may have also violated not just your HIPAA rights but also your rights under fair credit collection statutes.
Answered on 1/20/07, 10:21 am
