Cannot pay hospital bill with credit card - debt collector to follow

Loshe on 08/07/2019 - 18:34
Last edited 08/07/2019 - 18:35

Hi, I got a private hospital bill for $450.
I called up to pay and from 10 different previous bills I paid over the years every doctor at this private hospital in WA takes credit card, expect this one. I can only pay by bank transfer.

I said over the phone it was ridiculous because times are tough and my missus does not work I need cash to pay off my previous month credit statement to avoid interest and spiralling in a out of control debt trap.
I said I would wait for the debt collector.
They said they will add 20% in fees and bad credit rating (which is okay my missus has bad credit rating we can live with that).
Do I have a foot to stand on when I try to get the debt collector to waive the 20% fees based on the fact that I was not given enough payment options? I mean we live in a credit society… The doctor is savings heaps of moolah not owning an eftpos machine.

Anyone been in a similar situation or does anyone know how debt collectors operate?

Financial

Comments

  • spackbace on 08/07/2019 - 18:35
    +1

    Debt collectors pay pennies in the dollar for debt. You can negotiate with them. Just make sure you have an excuse as to why you can't cover their full cost (Mrs doesn't work, I only have this much because of a tax payment etc)

    On another note, I'd suggest private health care might not be your best bet currently unless it's something major

    • oshe on 08/07/2019 - 18:38
      -8

      The doctor must be a fool not to offer me other payment alternative especially when I say I am happy for it to go to a debt collector.
      yes I wanted to go public, but the missus persisted.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2019 - 19:04
        +28

        the missus persisted.

        The one with the bad credit rating? This explains that, I guess.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2019 - 19:07
      +2

      Debt collectors pay pennies in the dollar for debt.

      That's only for purchased debt. regular debt collectors (which is what this sounds like) vary wildly.

      Also no such things as pennies is Australia.

  • PVA on 08/07/2019 - 18:37
    +2

    Do a transfer, from your credit card to their bank account.

    • oshe on 08/07/2019 - 18:38
      -1

      this occurs cash advance fees and interest and opens a whole can of worms doesn't it?

      • thatonethere on 08/07/2019 - 18:48
        +24

        Cheaper than debt collector

        • crashloaded on 09/07/2019 - 07:40
          +2

          Plus the cc is unsecured so the bank will have to pursue it through court ;)

  • chumlee on 08/07/2019 - 18:46
    +5

    Debt collector will demand full payment but after a few calls will settle for less.

    Read up on your rights with debt collectors. They can only write/call you:

    No more than 3 times
    per week or 10 times
    per month
    Weekdays by phone -
    only between 7.30 am -
    9 pm
    Weekends by phone -
    only between 9 am - 9pm

  • Findo on 08/07/2019 - 18:50
    +2

    Didn’t you ask about payment options before you engaged the services of the doctor?

    • oshe on 08/07/2019 - 22:29

      been through this hospital heaps, got heaps of different bills from different services, birth of my both children, always paid everything with credit card

  • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2019 - 19:01
    +6

    After having patients reverse the charges on claims "service not provided", I can see why some doctors do not accept credit cards.

    There's nothing we can do to disprove those claims as we would be in violation of privacy if we were to provide evidence to the contrary. We can get lawyers involved but for sums like $450, we normally just stab the voodoo dolls we keep out back.

    • grasstown on 13/07/2019 - 10:41
      +1

      Wow, at people using the charge back for even medical services? Some agenda going on in getting people to think this is fine, and has seeped into so much of society.

      • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2019 - 11:32

        It's not a regular thing but I get 2-3 deadbeats a year that I just cut my losses with.

        My biggest problem isn't chargebacks so the eftpos terminal stays.

        It's those that bring their entire extended family to hang around so we're thrown off a little. They do the whole, oh my card is in the car/similar excuse, they walk out and like clockwork, the rest of the group walk out spaced a few minutes apart until you're alone with the realisation you've just been f—ked and the patient provided stolen information.

      • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 10:31

        We're literally in a thread where OP thinks he doesn't need to pay just because the Dr doesn't accept CC and should instead wait for the debt collector.

        There's no agenda, just people being irresponsible when consumer protection laws let them get away with it.

  • Randxyz123 on 08/07/2019 - 19:02

    Why don't you call your bank and explain the situation and ask for a hardship extension on your credit card? Then do a bank transfer.

    Or speak with the doctor and ask for an extension?

    • Choc0 on 09/07/2019 - 13:49
      +1

      the moment you ask for a 'hardship extension' on a credit card, the bank will do the 'responsible' thing (protect themselves from losses) by closing your ability to use this card

      • [Deactivated] on 13/07/2019 - 12:40

        Op is concerned that he would be:

        spiralling in (an) out of control debt trap

        Perhaps the 'responsible' thing in this case, is the responsible thing to do?

      • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 10:32

        Isn't that what "the public" want banks to do? Not lend money to people like OP because it's "exploitative"?

  • Ocker on 08/07/2019 - 19:04
    -3

    WARNING - There is more to this story the the OP is telling !!!!
    Every man and his dog will take credit cards in payment these days - oops, most Asian operated outlets insist on cash only, but not sure why??
    Maybe OP tried to pay by credit card and it was rejected?
    Like I said, story does not ring true.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/07/2019 - 19:07
      +7

      Quite true. Tried with my dog but she rejected Amex and Diners.

      That bitch.

    • oshe on 08/07/2019 - 22:27

      nope, they explicitly told me the doctor who is like an independent peaditrician who operates in this private hospital does not have an EFTPOS machine.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/07/2019 - 09:25
        +2

        We are not mandated to have an eftpos machine.

      • Baysew on 09/07/2019 - 14:27
        +5

        Perhaps the Doctor doesn't want an EFTPOS machine because when times are tough, some people try to live off credit and spiral in a out of control debt trap.

        • Some Guy on 09/07/2019 - 17:31
          +1

          Indeed.

          Or perhaps the Doctor loves spending time and money having to reconcile accounts, chasing payments, banking cheques/cash etc.

          Last time I saw a specialist in a private hospital, I had to pay up on the spot. Easy-peasy record keeping right there.

  • Quantumcat on 08/07/2019 - 19:38

    Write a post-dated cheque

    • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 10:34

      That's literally paying for things with money OP doesn't have. Which is similar to using a CC, but leads to far worse consequences if OP can't actually pay it. Not to mention only a moron would accept a post dated cheque when payment is already due.

  • CheapskateQueen on 08/07/2019 - 20:08
    +1

    offer the doctor EFT by instalments.

  • JimmyF on 08/07/2019 - 20:17
    +2

    Do I have a foot to stand on when I try to get the debt collector to waive the 20% fees based on the fact that I was not given enough payment options?

    Not a chance, pay the bill

  • pjetson on 08/07/2019 - 21:08

    You can only "make" your doctor take your credit card by getting a cash advance and paying them with that. Obviously, though, that would cost you.

  • skinner on 08/07/2019 - 21:26
    +2

    Buy something at Kmart or Officeworks, return it and ask for a refund to a debit card. Free cash advance. I mention those two specifically as I have had them offer refunds "however I wanted" in the past but YMMV, especially for $450.

    • Choc0 on 09/07/2019 - 13:51

      $450, or 5 lots of $90 from 5 different retailers…however you want to do it

      Rebel Sport is one that isn't known for checking that the last 4 digits of the card for the refund are the same as the one used for the purchase

  • serpserpserp on 08/07/2019 - 21:52
    +8

    I said I would wait for the debt collector.

    Bit extreme to go from trying to pay your bill to telling them you will do this. Perhaps you should take a softer tact and ask if you can get a minor extension beyond when your next credit card bill is due.

    The doctor is savings heaps of moolah not owning an eftpos machine.

    Good on him.

    They said they will add 20% in fees

    Only $90. You'll be ok if that happens.

  • Some Guy on 09/07/2019 - 00:25
    +10

    I work in an engineering consultancy and many clients wait until they are absolutely harangued by our finance team before they pay. It's a shit way to treat people who you've paid to help you, but apparently there's a$$holes out there who don't pay bills and hope that the debt will be forgotten or written off. Even when it does go to debt collectors, they only ever pay the original amount, despite our T&C's - which they've signed - explicitly state that interest is charged for late payment (30 days from invoice date).

    I doubt they'll call in the debt collectors over $450 and even if they do it'll take longer than if you wait till your next credit card statement.

    They'll call you a few times so you'll be able to tell them that you'll be paying it soon and they may give you some grace, if only to give them a break from hassling you, despite you already telling them to bring on debt collectors. Or call them and ask nicely for an extension.

    And, if $450 is a budget-breaker, use our public hospitals for chrissakes. That's precisely what it's there for.

  • spurf on 09/07/2019 - 09:30

    Probably a long shot but maybe suggest they sign up with https://pinpayments.com/

    No recurring terminal charge, they take a fee per transaction which you can pass on to the customer as per ACCC rules.

    I know it's not obligatory but not having a facility to accept credit card payments is ensuring that you will run into this problem as a service provider.

  • CandyMan on 09/07/2019 - 13:57
    -1

    Try HCCC
    Or fair trading

    • [Deactivated] on 09/07/2019 - 14:17
      +6

      HCCC: Hi, HCCC representative. How may I be of assistance?

      OP: I employed the services of a medical practitioner and now I may have to deal with a debt collector.

      HCCC: Okay, sir/madam. You'll need to elaborate…

      OP: my wife has a bad credit rating and insists on seeing a private practitioner…

      HCCC: I meant about the debt collector. Did you pay the doctor?

      OP: … but he wouldn't accept credit card.

      New post on OzBargain - HCCC hung up on me.

      • CandyMan on 09/07/2019 - 21:38

        It’s either a
        Health management issue —> HCCC
        Or
        Trading issue —> fair trading

        • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 10:36

          No, this is an "OP can't pay money they validly owe".

    • [Deactivated] on 09/07/2019 - 20:01
      +1

      You're kidding, right?

  • brad1-8tsi on 09/07/2019 - 15:01
    +3

    Champagne lifestyle on a beer budget.

    • Gerry H on 09/07/2019 - 21:53

      sounds like he married a gold digger model tbh. hard to believe any man worth his salt will marry a no income average looking woman with wallet happy tendencies.

  • Gerry H on 09/07/2019 - 21:48
    -1

    ur missus does not work

    i hope shes some model for u to be feeding her for free

    • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2019 - 15:11

      Are you on Tinder? You sound like quite the catch.

      -Wiki

      • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 10:36

        Not as much of a catch as OP….

        • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2019 - 10:58

          Really?

          What is more reprehensible:

          1) Taking your sick child to the Dr despite knowing that you don't have the cash to pay for it.

          or

          2) Suggesting that mothers who do not look like a models should not be fed? It took my wife 5-6 months after she gave birth to lose all of her baby weight and another 6 months before she went back to work. Should I have stopped feeding her during that time as she was not contributing financially to the household?

          • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 11:10

            @[Deactivated]:

            Suggesting that mothers who do not look like a models should not be fed?

            Hahaha what? That's not remotely what the commenter above said, which was, to quote:

            ur missus does not work

            i hope shes some model for u to be feeding her for free

            OP's wife doesn't work, period, not that she's on maternity leave. Already has bad credit. Insists on private hospital.

            So yes, absolutely I'd hope she has SOME positive qualities (e.g. has good looks) to be worth OP's time and money.

            • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2019 - 11:14

              @HighAndDry:

              Hahaha what? That's not remotely what the commenter above said, which was, to quote:

              ur missus does not work

              The missus does not work because she's looking after OP's child/children.

              • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 11:19

                @[Deactivated]: We don't know that.

                Plus - if she worked before she could be on maternity leave.

                She could be finding other ways to help support the family financially ESPECIALLY given that they don't have money for the doctor.

                She can CERTAINLY not insist on a private hospital when there are public options and they can't afford private.

                She can also have made better decisions so she doesn't have a bad credit rating.

                I've no idea why you're so attached to defending this woman who none of us know, except for the fact that she doesn't work and is financially irresponsible.

                • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2019 - 11:29

                  @HighAndDry:

                  I've no idea why you're so attached to defending this woman who none of us know, except for the fact that she doesn't work and is financially irresponsible.

                  and is a mother. The medical bill is for their child.

                  I'm not "attached to defending" her. I'm all for people living within their means. I'm just surprised that someone would defend Roidcel's comment that OP should only feed the mother of his child if she looks like a model. I'm personally outraged by that comment as was my wife.

                  • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 11:31

                    @[Deactivated]:

                    and is a mother. The medical bill is for their child.

                    How does that excuse financial irresponsibility and not helping out the family (and instead making things worse)?

                    She insisted on private hospital treatment when they couldn't afford it, and literally when she is contributing nothing financially to the family. There is nothing defensible about that. So yes - no financial responsibility, no financial contribution, "but she looks after the kids!" great, so do 99% of other women who are mothers, so again - I'd hope OP's getting something out of it.

                    as was my wife.

                    Ah gotcha. Blink twice if you need help.

                    • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2019 - 12:56
                      +1

                      @HighAndDry: Hehe!

                      Just to be clear, I have an excellent credit rating and so does my wife. I've supported her, both financially and emotionally , while she was the main carer for our kids and through her idealist phase. Thankfully she's been cured of the later and now works in a field where her pay is commensurate with her skills and life experience ( read: she gets paid an indecent amount of money!).

                      Soon , I'm planning to go into early retirement, and would expect , nay, demand, that she feeds me for free if she wants to keep waking up next to that model face of mine ;)

                      • HighAndDry on 17/07/2019 - 12:58
                        +1

                        @[Deactivated]: Seems like you've got it all figured out and I have to say - I'm more than a little jealous. But yeah, I don't think OP's in quite the same situation. I have no issues with OP financially or otherwise supporting his wife and mother of his kid(s). I have an issue with OP being forced to support her luxury and unnecessary spending which they, as a family, cannot afford. (And to be honest - I wouldn't care even if she looked like a model in that case).

          • Gerry H on 18/07/2019 - 21:29

            @[Deactivated]: i was under the impression his wife isnt pregnant and is not intending to work, i.e. just using him as cash cow sitting at home all day while probably cheating on him on the side with chad. please tell me where op said shes pregnant and will look for work once the child is born and she has recovered.

  • Eeples on 12/07/2019 - 00:07
    -2

    Pay $50 a week for 9 weeks.

    See what happens.

    Make sure you include your name.

    If they ask you for the money…. tell them u r paying and send them the payment info for each payment made.

  • watwatwat on 12/07/2019 - 16:53

    Do I have a foot to stand on when I try to get the debt collector to waive the 20% fees based on the fact that I was not given enough payment options?

    So you want to take the hit to your credit rating, try to negotiate with a debt collector just to pay the original amount via credit card instead of eftpos? Very strange logic, sir.

  • pistachio1 on 18/07/2019 - 20:07

    This seems all a bit much for $450. If it was $4,500 then yeah okay.
    I mean, I don't have $450 just lying around either, but you do have a job, right? Ask the hospital for a payment plan and pay $50 a week for a while (or less, idk) and see where you can cut $50 from your normal household budget for a couple months. And if you can't do that then there would be financial hardship processes but that's a whole other can of worms and you shouldn't really be going to a private hospital in that case, your wife's demands be damned…

  • MagicMushroom on 07/11/2019 - 18:49

    I need cash to pay off my previous month credit statement to avoid interest and spiralling in a out of control debt trap.

    Sounds like you're already trapped

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