Debt Collection Agency Wants Its Fee

by S. Thomas
(Southeastern, Ok)

10-18-10 I went to Valley View Foot and Ankle Center in Ada, Ok. I have Health Choice Ins. (I work in an OK. public school system) I paid $58.50 at the office the day I received service. I was later billed for 429.49. I felt that was outrageous however, I knew I owed it. 3-1-11 I paid 50.00. (I recently paid of a hospital bill). June 17, 11 I received a bill saying I owed 379.49. July 4, I sent a payment that was posted 7/8/11 for another 50.00. July 12, 11 I receive a letter from Professional Credit Collections, Inc. saying I owed $492.58. I thought they had been misinformed and did not pay much attention to the letter. Later during the month of July my husband sold some calves and told me to pay the dr. bill off and I called the Dr.s office for the correct amount. I explained the situation and was told I owed 492.58 because it had already been sent to collections. So I called the collections agency and told them I was paying the drs. office directly in the amount of 329.49. (the original balance) that was paid on 8-1-11 (posted at the bank on 8-2-11). We struggle just to keep insured and we have been working over a year paying off a hospital bill. I had another foot problem in May and did not feel like I could afford to go to the dr. so I just suffered through it. Now I feel like I'm being harrassed by the collection agency. They're wanting their piece of the pie I guess. Please tell me what my rights are. I've never had to deal with a collector before. Thanks in advance for your advice.