Another Blind Collections Call

Last week, I had a voice mail message, a prerecorded message asking me to call a "patient accounts billing office."

I had another message today, again asking me to call the "patient accounts billing office," without telling me the name of the hospital or other provider that is calling me. It may not be the provider at all--it could well be a collections agency. (I'm more suspicious after watching "Maxed Out," which shows some of the dirty tricks collection agencies use.)

I did write down the number though: 1-866-365-2211. Anyone want to give them a call and find out who it is?

As far as I know, I don't have any unpaid medical bills. I do have one bill from Swedish cancer center I need to sort out, because the date of service on the bill is not correct. I'm going to double-check it with my insurance, WSHIP, and then send Swedish a letter, telling them that it is fraud to send a bill with the wrong date of service. And maybe I'll CC the letter to the Better Business Bureau--do hospitals fall under their umbrella?

See:

Here's a New One: The Blind Billing Call

'Maxed Out'

@ Jeanne Sather 2008.

Comments

[Deb]

Wow...I just got a bill from Swedish for "ongoing outpatient care" and the supposed date of service. Turns out it was a bill for a whole MONTH of treatment. I told them send me an itemized bill if you want my money. Sheesh!

[jeanne]

The bill I have doesn't say what it is for, and the date of service is sometime last summer--when I had met my out-of-pocket max (I always meet it in January, actually)--so I can't owe it. They are a preferred provider with my plan. But this means at least one phone call, and one letter.

I've never heard of sending a bill for the whole month--that's a new one.

[jeanne]

Oh, wait, I forgot, Swedish once sent me a bill for my oncologist, with a date of service when I knew I hadn't seen her. When I asked about it, they said she must have reviewed my chart on that date!

[marie]

I googled the number. It does appear to be Swedish.
This thread is interesting.
http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-425-988-6412