 TITLE: How Does Medical Debt Affect Your Credit Score? CONTENT: Keep Your Credit Score Healthy\n------------------------------\nAs time goes by, a medical collection account will have less and less impact on your credit score, until it ultimately drops off your credit report. Even if you have a collection account on your credit report, there are still things you can do to improve your credit score. Make all your debt payments on time, keep your credit card balances low, and avoid applying for new credit unless you really need it. Keep an eye on your credit by periodically checking your credit report and score. Pay close attention to your credit score risk factors so you can make changes that will help improve your scores.\nReviewing your credit report regularly will help you spot any medical debt that has gone to collections or any fraudulent use of your credit. You can get a free copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com. Once the medical debt is paid off, make sure your credit report shows the account as paid. When your credit score is on the road to recovery, keep tabs on its health by setting up free credit monitoring. END