Best Method of Handling Collection

[Cusegirl770 10]

Today I received a letter for the remainder of an unpaid medical bill from National Patient Account Services (NPAS, LLC).  I just checked my credit reports and the collection has not yet reported to the CRAs, and of course, I don’t want it to.  I have the thirty days to dispute, etc. Should I just contact the CA to ask for a pay for deletion (under $400) or can they not report anyway because I am paying right away before the thirty days? OR, should I send the payment to the hospital and hope they accept the payment and then if it does hit my CR, dispute as previously paid? OR, should I DV them to stall it out to buy time? OR, is there a better, faster, saner way to handle this situation? My son broke his thumb and the bill was $1000 after insurance paid their portion. So, the debt is valid.  I have been successful in getting my credit in working order (fako is 700) and I'd like to keep it moving in the right direction. Advice, please?

[TomnTex 389]

I would skip the CA and go straight to the hospital and see what you can workout. You would be better served that way. Do it quick.

[WhoCares1000 721]

DV the CA to stop them from doing anything and then go to the hospital and see if you can work something out.