Do I have to pay a medical collection immediately?

Not automatically. First make sure the debt matches a real medical visit, the amount makes sense, and the collection notice lines up with the billing documents you have.

Can I ask a collector for more information about a medical debt?

Yes. You can ask for enough information to identify the original provider, the date of service, and the amount being collected so you can compare it with your records.

Hospital Bill Sent to Collections? What to Do First

If a hospital bill was sent to collections, do not assume the amount is correct just because a collector contacted you. First match the account to the right patient, visit, and provider, compare it with any old bill or EOB you still have, and ask for enough detail to understand what debt is being collected.