Can a small doctors office report patients to the credit bureau?

May a doctor or hospital give information about me to a collection agency?

Yes. HHS says debt collection is a payment activity under HIPAA. Health care providers may entered into a business associate agreement with a collector. The "covered entity" may disclose information required to collect the debt but must also follow the "minimum necessary" standard that applies to all disclosures under HIPAA.

For more on HIPAA and debt collectors, visit the HHS Frequently Asked Questions Page, www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/faq/index.html, and enter the phrase "collection agency."

This information is provided at the link below.