Today, I received a call from Synergetic Communications regarding a $243 charge from a dentist visit in 2020. They wanted to resolve it quickly before it got worse. I told the caller that I never saw a bill and wasn’t aware of this debt. She advised me to contact my dentist’s office. I did, and they confirmed that my appointment was fully covered by insurance and nothing was sent to collections. They’re also sending me proof of payment. Should I wait for something in writing? I know I shouldn’t pay this off, but I’m feeling uneasy since there’s nothing on my credit report.
Edit: I appreciate all the advice! I’m now waiting for validation, and then we’ll see what happens.
Niall said:
I used to work in collections, and I’m based in the US…
The dentist office can only give me a form saying I owe $0, not ‘paid in full’. Is that enough?
When an account goes to collections, they usually set the balance to zero in their system to avoid double payments. Insurance often doesn’t cover everything, so there might be a deductible or co-pay. Something was sent to collections; otherwise, they wouldn’t have your details. Call the collection agency now, explain what the dentist said, and ask them to send proof of the debt. When you get the form from the dentist, send them a copy. This might just be a deductible issue.
@Niall
Thanks for the input! The dentist can only give me a form saying my balance is zero, but nothing about what insurance paid. Should I call the collector back and ask for proof of the debt? What does that usually involve? Also, I did receive a bill for a similar amount from this office last year, but they said it was a billing error since I hadn’t been there in three years. It’s frustrating; their files seem disorganized.
@Sam
I agree with what Raven said. Call the collection agency, explain the situation, and offer to send the receipt. Request a letter that details what you owe, including insurance payments.
Niall said: @Sam
I agree with what Raven said. Call the collection agency, explain the situation, and offer to send the receipt. Request a letter that details what you owe, including insurance payments.
I called them back, and this collector was clearer. He mentioned they had my old address, which I hadn’t lived at for months. So, I guess this is a real issue. He said I could pay over the phone or online to get a ‘paid in full’ statement. He also mentioned some legal stuff about my information being secure.
Hart said: @Sam
Request validation. That shifts the responsibility to the agency. You shouldn’t have to do their work.
I asked for validation over the phone, and they said they’d send it. I also contacted my insurance about the EOB, and they confirmed it was all paid. Now I guess I just wait.
@Sam
Make sure to get that in writing from your insurance. Phone conversations aren’t proof. You need a written document with a signature and date for your records.
@Sam
This happened to me years ago with a doctor’s office! I’d receive notices about collections, then call them with payment details, and they’d realize it was a glitch. This cycle went on for about three years until I finally got someone to fix it.
Niall said:
I used to work in collections, and I’m based in the US…
Thanks for the quick reply! Is it normal for them to only call instead of sending a letter? I expected something more official. The email they sent to pay looks sketchy, so I haven’t clicked it.
@Sam
Yes, it’s common for collection agencies to call for payments. They are supposed to send an initial letter about the bill and their contact info. Maybe they have the wrong address, or it just hasn’t arrived yet. Don’t click on their link. If you haven’t already, call them to verify they’re a legitimate agency. Ask them for your correct mailing address and why you haven’t received a letter.
@Niall
Agencies are not required to send notice. The FDCPA only requires notice when contact occurs. With rising postage costs, phone calls are often the first contact.
I’m a lawyer (but not your lawyer)… Synergetic has a bad reputation, and some lawyers will sue them for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act at no cost to you. I can help you find lawyers in your state if you let me know where you are. In the meantime, screenshot the call details for proof. Email yourself the screenshot in case you lose your phone. If they call again, tell them no more calls, and all communication must be by email or mail. Here’s a link that might help. https://lemberglaw.com/synergetic-communication-inc-syncom-collections-complaints/
The debt collector must prove you owe the money they’re claiming if you ask. Don’t acknowledge the debt; request full proof of it instead. If they can prove it, you can show your receipt as evidence of payment. They might realize that the debt isn’t valid since it’s already been paid.
My state attorney general helped me get a bill removed from collections. It was for a covered mammogram, and even though insurance paid, the imaging office still sent it to collections.