The Credit Nerd Answers
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I heard that because of new HIPPA regulations, I can have my medical collection accounts legally deleted from my credit reports?
- asked by Kevin in Texas, 7/24/2008 at 11:05 am.
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No, that is not correct. HIPPA does not impact the rules or regulations regarding the display of information on a consumer credit report. However, in actuality it is the FCRA that limits the type of medical information that is displayed on a credit report. The information below is an excerpt from the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
(g) Protection of Medical Information
(1) Limitation on consumer reporting agencies. A consumer reporting agency shall not
furnish for employment purposes, or in connection with a credit or insurance
transaction, a consumer report that contains medical information (other than
medical contact information treated in the manner required under section
605(a)(6)) about a consumer, unless--
(A) if furnished in connection with an insurance transaction, the consumer
affirmatively consents to the furnishing of the report;
(B) if furnished for employment purposes or in connection with a credit
transaction--
(i) the information to be furnished is relevant to process or effect the
employment or credit transaction; and
(ii) the consumer provides specific written consent for the furnishing of the
report that describes in clear and conspicuous language the use for
which the information will be furnished; or
(C) the information to be furnished pertains solely to transactions, accounts, or
balances relating to debts arising from the receipt of medical services,
products, or devises, where such information, other than account status or
amounts, is restricted or reported using codes that do not identify, or do
not provide information sufficient to infer, the specific provider or the
nature of such services, products, or devices, as provided in section
605(a)(6).
As such, if there is any information regarding a medical account furnished on a credit report that "identifies . . . the specific provider or the nature of such services, products, or devices. . . " then the account must be removed from the consumer's credit report. This is the only legal grounds a consumer has for the removal of a medical collection from their credit report.
Thanks and have a nice day.
- The Credit Nerd.
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