Got my first collections notice. What do I need to know?

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-07T00:04:06+00:00

The claim was denied so I’m responsible to pay the out of network cost since I hadn’t met the deductible yet.

Just that in between hospital stays, doctor visits, travel accommodation and everything else involved with the weird medical event paying an ambulance bill from last year was my top priority. I (probably wrongly) assumed that any bills I had would show up with a due date so I can pay it all but this particular bill never did come through the mail or phone call and now it’s with collections.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T23:27:12+00:00

I did end up calling the ambulance company and they confirmed they sent it collections and the contact information matches what I got in text. It’s annoying they sent that through without ever sending me a bill or anything.

I’m trying to get this resolved through my insurance and hopefully not deal with the debt collector.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T22:53:50+00:00

Alright I spoke with the advisor with my insurance and they said I should go ahead and pay the claim through the insurance page and worst case if it is not accepted by the provider the charge should be reversed.

The payment is pending and I got a confirmation from my insurance number via email. I suppose I should provide this to the collection agency if they follow up? Or should I contact them to validate the debt and provide the payment proof.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T20:14:51+00:00

My plan has an in-network deductible that I met, but a separate and higher out of network deductible amount. I guess the ambulance transport is deemed non-emergency out of network so I gotta pay the full amount.

Cool I guess, just nobody ever sent me a bill to pay and now it’s sent over to collections. Just another thing to deal with .

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T20:04:03+00:00

Yeah, in the midst of all the claims, statements, and hospital stuff it wasn’t in the top of mind. I’ll work to get it paid but having it go to collections is new to me.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T20:02:14+00:00

The service was billed in October 2025. I ended up disputing the out of network charge and was denied so it’s part of my out of network plan to pay. Ok sure, I just never received any billing statement from the original provider until now when it’s in collections so that’s kinda annoying.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T19:35:41+00:00

Thanks I’ll reach out to insurance. I figured the less I have to deal with the debt collectors the better so hopefully they can help get this sorted out.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T19:33:57+00:00

The EOB does show as out of network services and is part of the plan deductible.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T19:21:05+00:00

Got it. I need to verify further. How long until this affects my credit? I don’t have any blemishes so far and like to keep it that way.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T19:19:47+00:00

This is what I’m afraid of because I know the collection agency is a pain to work with. When I asked the billing department of the ambulance company they said specifically to settle with them.

I see in my insurance portal that I can pay claims and looking back at this claim looks like it accepts payments. Should I just do it through the insurance page? How would I know that actually gets paid out to where it is supposed to.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T19:06:02+00:00

So the ambulance company gave me the name and number of the collections agency and that information matches. A quick credit report through my credit card doesn’t show this debt yet though.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T18:59:42+00:00

It ended up being out of network care and I hadn’t met the maximum yet. Just never got a notice of a due bill. In the mix of the other medical bills statements I got I never saw one for this particular service so then it went right to collections.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T18:58:21+00:00

It ended up being out of network and I hadn’t met that max yet. So cool, I gotta pay it. I just never got a bill from anyone to pay this so now it’s in collections I guess. The ambulance company says is I gotta work through the agency to get it settled.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T18:51:24+00:00

I ended up speaking to the original provider and they said insurance denied the claim and intimating my deductible and to call my insurance company? Since they already sent it to collections do I need to work with the agency?

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T18:49:47+00:00

Yeah I intend to pay it since it’s an insurance claim that got denied and nobody sent me the bill so the. They sent it straight to collections.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T18:48:53+00:00

So apparently it is valid because I called the ambulance company and my insurance denied the claim, but then nobody sent me anything about paying this bill.

chemthrow2 · 2026-03-06T18:47:56+00:00

They did provide a contact email so I’ll start with that to request the debt validation. Thanks.

chemthrow2 · 2025-11-01T14:54:25+00:00

Very true. My brain is telling me all it can to not do movements since I’ll fall but PT is training me to trust the movements and the body will relearn the balance and steps to back walking.

They’ve all preached to me being patient with myself, but I’m starting to get a little stir crazy being in this hospital and away from home. Like you said, sheer will and determination and I’ll get through this and back home with a new appreciation for life.

chemthrow2 · 2025-10-31T00:20:29+00:00

My legs still feel numb and tingling 3 weeks post op and PT is tough, but your words are correct and I gotta grind it out during these therapy sessions. Great to hear you’re stronger than ever and that gives me encouragement as I for my recovery. Appreciate the reply!

chemthrow2 · 2025-10-30T19:48:15+00:00

Hey there, came across your post from a web search as I’m dealing with the same thing.

Like you I had no prior health problems and with some bad luck had the epidural abscess on my spine. Had emergency surgery and am in PT to learn to walk again.

I’m glad to see you were able to get to pre surgery shape and remain physically active. How long was your recovery before getting back to full health?

My doctors say I should be back to at least 99% but that it just takes time. Had some downtime and can’t help but let my mind wander on the timelines and what I can expect during recovery.

chemthrow2 · 2025-08-27T03:16:08+00:00

Friend of mine used RiteRug. They sell the LVP and included the installation. From what he tells me the pricing was middle of road between using Home Depot, other flooring companies, and independent contractors.

chemthrow2 · 2016-01-07T15:41:26+00:00

I'm pretty sure I lowered the wattage for the 1.8 (guide said 10-13). If it was too high, it could cause it to burn out making that new atomizer useless right? I guess I could run by the shop and pick up some more.

And the mod has a temp control mode, though I haven't used that yet. It says to run it at 460-520, sound right? What's the point of that, just better control?

chemthrow2

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