When Can a medical bill be turned over for collection?

In the majority of states a medical bill can be turned over to a collection agency at any time. Doesn't matter if you are paying on the bill or have an agreement with the doctors office. In some cases these collection agencies are NOT outside companies but an account receivable agency for the group of doctor's or clinics.

It is far more efficient to have a third party handle payments and invoicing. Kind of like having a 3rd party do your companies payroll.

You should ask the 'collection' agency if they are part of the group you owe the bill to. If so, it is far easier to negotiate with them.

If not, make sure the agency has correct information on file. You may actually be in the middle of a dispute between your insurance company and the billing office. If so, contact your doctors office to get this resolved asap and make sure they take the bill back from the collector. Get it ALL in writing.