Can $20 be sent to a debt collection agency?

Question

I canceled an appointment at an ENT because I lost my insurance, and they have been billing me $20. I gave them plenty of notice and am ticked they want me to pay when they did nothing for me. Is it possible for them to send as little as $20 to collections? Thanks.

Answer 1

Absolutely it can be sent and it will ruin your credit. This can take over a year to repair. Do not let this happen!!

Answer 2

My suggestion is trying to get as much resource as you can before making final decision,here is a good one.http://debt-relief.expertips4u.info/debt...

Answer 3

It is possible and not worth the hassle, but what is their policy? How much notice did you give them? Try to talk to them and explain that you think you gave them adequate notice. They should have a written policy that they can show you.  

Answer 4

Yes. I've seen something as little as $17 sent to Collections.  However, it is highly unlikely that they will do this.  In fact, if they DO this, you'll still be okay, because the Federal law requires the collection agency to send you notice before doing anything like putting it on your credit, etc.  And with that notice it gives you information about disputing the debt with the collection agency.  Honestly, it's sometimes as simple as faxing (with confirmation) a letter saying you dispute the debt and demand validation.  They have 30 days to do this and get back to you.  I doubt that anyone would want to go to this much trouble over $20.

If I were you I would just call the ENT place and advise of your cancellation, etc.  They may just write it off after talking to you over the phone.  You have to call them first, because most of those bills go out via a computer.  So, if you don't call...they can't do anything to correct it.    

Answer 5

Yeah, if they want to report it they can do so.

Normally I would say that they probably wouldn't bother sending it to collections since it is so small...but if they want to be jerks about it they can do it.