I have been served a summons for unpaid medical bill (86.00 and what they they say was a no show appointment 75.00 = 161.00). All the rest was paid by insurance and my co-pay. Okay, I tried to debate the 75 no show because I am positive I called and cancelled (I took my daughter to a different doctor, who actually knew what they were talking about). So anyway months pass they send to collection then I get a summons. Now I get a bill for 289.00 and "any court cost incurred" and a summons date to appeaer. I call lawyer they say I must pay 289.00 126.00 court fees 150.00 summons fees, before court date or appear. QUESTION: Should I pay and forget court, I did not actually think they would sue me... in the meantime I have been paying off thousdands of doc bill (in a timely manner) for my daughters surgery. If I go to court could I end up paying MORE and be responsible for the bill... would a judge ever waive any of the charges or fees. Thanks

If you don't pay it and it goes to court and you don't show.. they WILL get everything they ask for.

Including the basis to be awarded a Writ of garnishment to go after wages or bank accounts to satisfy the debt.

Since that will definitely be on your credit history... and will prevent you from getting a loan in the future, you really want to get this paid and off your credit report as soon as possible.

The longer you wait the more its going to cost you.

And having something out for collection will kill any credit or loan application on its own, even if you still happen to have a FICO that would otherwise qualify you.

But make sure you get everything in writing that the debt was settled in full. Until it is its unlikely to delay a court hearing.

No, the Judge doesn't "waive" anything. He/she may not grant the entire amount of the lawsuit - if that is appropriate. The Court costs are not out of line, at least in NY.

Right, two choices - go to Court, present your evidence and argue the amount OR settle with them. I supposed the third choice is to not show up and have a judgment granted against you.

This is the first notice you've received of this debt?

I got a summons for a $355.00 no show fee for a new patient office visit, I have tried to work with the doctors office, they just want me to pay it. I need to respond to the summons, the total they are suing me for is $798.00. I don't know what to do, I can't afford to pay a fee like that.

...This is the first notice you've received of this debt?

That's also my question. Did the doctor send monthy invoices for the "no-show" for each month since the time of the appointment, or was it simply ouit of the blue?

Also, if OP takes it to court, it might be a good idea to see if the doctor proves that he or she duly notified you somehow, prior to the appointment, of the policy for billing for now-shows.