 TITLE: How to Dispute Inaccurate Medical Collections on Your Credit Report CONTENT: How Medical Collections Affect Your Credit Score\n------------------------------------------------\nFICO 9, the most recent FICO credit scoring model, as well as the VantageScore® 3.0 and 4.0 credit scoring models, don't weigh medical collections as heavily as other collections. Additionally, if your insurer pays off your medical bill that went to collections, the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) will remove the collection account from your credit history if they have proof or verification from the collection agency.\nAlthough this may seem like great news, there is one important issue to consider. Different lenders use different credit scoring models—and not all of them use the most recent versions—so you may not know which scoring model is being used when you apply for a mortgage, car loan or any other type of financing. Therefore, you won't have a way of knowing how much weight your medical collection account will carry when a lender is evaluating your creditworthiness.\nKeep in mind that general medical debt will never appear on your credit report; only debt that is in collections will appear. The collection account on your credit report will show the original creditor's name and available contact information for the collection agency (not the name of the medical office or provider).\nBecause medical collections can have a significant negative impact on your credit scores, try to keep your medical bills from ever going to collections in the first place. But if they do end up on your credit report, here's how you can deal with them. END