Doctor bills

[sickandtired8]

If one recently had surgery and wanted to keep this particular dr and was still under his care, would they have to be listed in BK? I think so but what would you say when you returned to see him for a follow up? "Sorry but I'm not paying??" That would be very embarrassing. I know they all have to be listed but I am so worried about this...I thought I would ask what you all would say or do. Thanks! S&T

[demismom]

If it was a Dr. I liked and wanted to keep seeing, I'd tell them I HAVE to include you because it's the law, but after the bankruptcy is over I would like to be able to work with you to pay the bill off. If I were a Dr. and someone filed bk and I was included, I don't think I'd want to treat them again if they had no intention of paying me.

I only say this because we have had two renters who have left us high and dry, the last ones even stole all the appliances in the house, I sure wouldn't rent to them again. The saying screw me once, shame on you, screw me twice, shame on me comes to mind in situations such as ours.

[BKOnce]

Nothing is Free...

[lrprn]

If it was a Dr. I liked and wanted to keep seeing, I'd tell them I HAVE to include you because it's the law, but after the bankruptcy is over I would like to be able to work with you to pay the bill off.(

Demismom has the right idea. You can't reaffirm a non-secured debt like a medical bill, but you can make an informal 'handshake' agreement with the doctor's office to repay the debt after your case closes.

However, the doctor still has the right to request that you start seeing another physician - doctors can do that even if you don't file bankruptcy. With the rising cost of healthcare and lack of insurance coverage, most doctors and their office staff understand all too well the financial difficulties many folks have paying their medical bills. Most will be understanding of your situation and try to work something out with you.