Just got certified mail from medical center

[anonymuse]

I just got certified mail from the Surgery Center that I've been using. I'd ignored their previous calls since I didn't want to tell them about my plans to file BK. I had a third surgical procedure Thursday, so I obviously didn't want them to know ahead of time and cancel the procedure.

My doctors, surgery center, physical therapy, and pain clinic are all in the same complex and I suspect that they all use the same billing services. Should I just let them start turning these accounts over to collection and keep my mouth shut? Maybe I should make some nominal payments, like $25? I don't want them to start denying me services and I'm afraid if they know I'm filing for BK, they could drop me.

[bkbiker]

Your ideas sounds good, I wouldn’t share with anyone your plans for the future

Good luck,
bkbiker

[lrprn]

When I was hospitalized 12 days after filing Ch 13, our lawyer advised me not to tell the hospital we just filed even though they wouldn't be affected at all.

When are you planning to file, Anon? I'm worried for you - could there be a case made for fraud since you have already retained a bk lawyer and incurred this new debt anyway?

[Danielle1981]

I don't think they'd view that as fraud.....I mean surgery???? Unless it's some boob job/tummy tuck crap.....then again what moron goes and does that? Well I guess there could be some....but not likely.....

[anonymuse]

I think having necessary surgery (not a boob job) where I can't cover the $250 copay is a little different than buying that big screen TV, but I know I'm still incurring new debt. My lawyer had said not to file until most of the big expenses (3 surgery center visits) were completed.

I'm calling the lawyer on Monday. I'm waiting to try to settle a claim with the auto insurance company for my back problems so I'm just going to keep sticking with that. I think I might call the medical center to tell them I'm trying to work at the settlement with the insurance company and that I'll make minimal payments until then.

[jane taylor]

Our lawyer told us not to file until husband had his surgery, but we could not wait that long as we were behind already on our house. He is having surgery Tuesday A.M. and has to have it done. He is having it done at a facility we included in our BK. We have fairly decent insurance and they will just have to accept a little every month. There is nothing we can do about that. He has to have it done or run the risk of a perforation and infection. Plus he is uncomfortable all the time and in a lot of pain sometimes.

Fortunately, his surgeon has been generous enough to accept what insurance pays and said he wouldn't charge us for the rest. He understands our situation and has been very kind.

Anon, hope you are feeling better these days. Take care.

jane