As a company that works with healthcare consumers on a daily basis, we understand most people do not plan or wish to be in collections.  In addition, most people value the service they receive from the Physician or Hospital and understand this service comes at a cost.  MBB has put forth the following information in an effort to help patients understand their consumer rights, the collection process and the healthcare system.  The information presented in this section is not meant to be all inclusive, but should help answer any questions you have.

MBB (Medical Business Bureau) - As a debt collection agency, we can provide information regarding your account with us.  We can also provide payment options.  For more information on "How can we help" click here. 

FDCPA (Fair Debt Collections Practices Act) - All debt collection agencies are required to follow the guidelines set by the FDCPA.  To learn more about the FDCPA and your rights as a debtor you may visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Debt_Collection_Practices_Act or http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm.

FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) - One of the tools a collection agency has to help collect an outstanding debt is to report the debt and the debtor to the credit bureaus, which include, but are not limited to Transunion, Equifax and Experian.  The agency must follow specific guidelines when reporting an account to the credit bureaus.  For more information regarding this, please go to http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcra.pdf.

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) - The FTC governs many of the consumer rights associated with Collection Agencies.  For more information and a link to the FAQ (Frequently Ask Questions) Section, please go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm.  For Credit and Your Consumer Rights page, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre01.shtm.

Ask Doctor Debt - ACA International, is an international association of debt collection agencies whose mission is to self-police collection agencies as well as help educate agencies and the collectors they employ on the correct way to run an agency and collect debts.  ACA has developed a web site called "Ask Doctor Debt" which is designed to help answer consumer questions about debt collections.  For more information, please go to www.askdoctordebt.com.

Healthcare Reform - There are many items in the healthcare bill, but one of the main items has to do with government mandated health insurance.  Depending on a couple factors including individual gross income, one could be charged a fee for not having health insurance.  For more information regarding this and other issues go to www.healthcare.gov.