Thread: How to remove unpaid medical bills on credit report (Equifax)

About a year ago I took two classes (related to a condition I have) at the local hospital recommended by my primary physician. When setting up the classes w/ the hospital I specifically told them I would only attend if the cost was my co-pay amount of $30. They never got back to me after promising to do so, so when they called to confirm my appointment I told them that the appt was canceled because they didn't verify the cost. The woman pleaded with me to keep appt and she would verify cost. She called back shortly and assured me that the cost was only my $30 co-pay. I went to class and paid the $30. similarly before the second class I reiterated that I would only attend for the cost of $30. they agreed and I attended second class.

a few weeks later I rec'd two bills for $88 each ($176 Total). I called and was told by the woman in charge she would take care of it. Then I get more medical bills and finally a call from hosp in house collection dept. I told them I didn't owe the $ and wasn't paying it. Last I heard from the hospital.

Fast fwd a year and I am denied credit for a delinquent credit obligation, pull Equifax and there are two collection items, each for $88 from hospital (only negatives on report). I call hospital collection manager and he looks into it and refuses to remove them. Offers to split diff, but I am furious and don't want to be blackmailed into paying something I took so much care to make sure didn't happen.

Attempted an online dispute through Equifax but that didn't work.
What are my best options?
How can I compel them to remove these unpaid medical bills from my credit report that I do not believe I owe them.

For that amount I would pay it but if its the pricinple of it or cash is short then I would file a small claims against the hospital. Think they will go to court over $176? Not likely and that will give an automatic win. If a lawyer does show up you could still have a shot at winning.

t is the principal, not the money. Like I said, he offered to remove them for half, but I just have a hard time giving them a dime. I thought about paying it to rectify the credit report, then going to small claims court to get the $$ back. If I lose in small claims court for some reason, they may report the collection again out of spite.

Anyone have any other ideas?

Anyone have any experience with these types of things and state Consumer Protection offices. I live in GA

can I sue them in small claims court if I haven't paid them anything yet? I would be suing to get the credit reports corrected, does the small claims court judge have the authority to order those corrections?
or due I have to pay them first, then sue for the money and the correction?

I would sue.

And you can sue despite not paying because your damages are what was done to your credit report.