In November of 2001, while I was in college, I was hit by a car. I suffered $28,000 of damage, almost all of which was billed to my parents. Apparently, however, a radiology place took an x-ray and billed me in my dorm. I vacated the dorm after the accident and never got the bill. I have now discovered the bill, for $58, on my credit report. I think it was added to my report in 2004. How long will it stay on my credit report? Would it do any good to pay it?

Here's a response to your question as well as the link it came from:

How does a collection account appear on the credit report?
While you make payments on your collection account, the status will remain "collection account." Once you pay the account in full, then it will show "paid collection." A paid collection account will remain on the credit report for seven years from the initial missed payment that led to the collection.

Experian | Consumer Credit FAQ (http://www.experian.com/consumer/credit_report_faqs.html#clinic)

Of course you could pay the bill with the agreement they would report it paid in full on credit report

Would it do any good to pay it?Hello d:

It'll stay there for seven years from the date of last activity, whether it's paid or not. Is a paid collection better than a non paid one?? Maybe 5 fico points.

excon