Are medical bills legally allowed to be in collections on your credit report?

[Derek1987]

So i have a few thousand dollars in medical bills that are in collections and show up in my credit report.  My sister in law said thats a hippa violation and my wife disputed one and it got removed. I tried the same thing and no dice. Wondering if those credit repair companies could come in handy in this situation. Experiences, thoughts?

Of course i would rather just pay them off, but at this moment in time it is impossible. 

 

[Ashc]

Yes I think for visibiity purposes, that way you would also have a way to remind yourself where your money goes. 

[Pistol]

@Derek1987 - our local hospital sends bills to collection agencies if not paid, but they send several reminders first. I believe it is legal and has nothing to do with Hippa, since no medical information is exchanged. -- Have you considered a payment plan? I recently was hospitalized for a week and racked up a big bill. I am on a monthly payment plan to pay it off over time. Also - have you applied for financial assistance? Some providers - especially hospitals - offer this based on your income. 

[Derek1987]

9 hours ago, Pistol said:

@Derek1987 - our local hospital sends bills to collection agencies if not paid, but they send several reminders first. I believe it is legal and has nothing to do with Hippa, since no medical information is exchanged. -- Have you considered a payment plan? I recently was hospitalized for a week and racked up a big bill. I am on a monthly payment plan to pay it off over time. Also - have you applied for financial assistance? Some providers - especially hospitals - offer this based on your income. 

I cant afford a payment plan at the moment. With both my wife and i disabled with 2 teenage girls, it is just not possible right now. I applied for assistance through the hospital and was denied because of "too much income". Lol.