My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Arizona
Last month I got a call from a collection agency about a chiropractor that I had never heard of with a service date of 01/2006 in the amount of $1600.00. I asked them to provide proof of the bill but they refused saying I had to call the doctor but they did not have a phone number for me to call. I had to research the doctor and called their office. They had no record of me as a patient but they also advised that at that time frame the doctor did not work on the day of the week they claimed I received serivce. Well I kept researching and called a chiropracter that I had visited and it turns out that the doctor I saw changed offices and this is the name of the new doctor.
Anyway. I contact my health insurance provider who stated that they have never received a claim for service for that date. I called the doctors office back and the billing manager is on maternity leave. My insurance company advised me that I am not liable for any funds until they have submitted a claim. I told the collections agency that and she said that is not the case and I am responsible. At that point I hung up on her
She called me back last week and miraculously the amount is now $695.00 but still no claim filed with UHC.
I have a couple of questions:
1.) What is the statute of limitations for medical bills in AZ (3years or 4)?
2.) Can they even file a claim to my insurance company 2.5 years after the service date?
3.) Do they have a leg to stand on or do I have a leg to stand on?
Thanks

