Now in the previous post we discussed how most doctors do not handle the day-to-day duties of office management, such as billing. However, if your doctor’s office is a smaller business they will more than likely notice the unpaid debt. A small mom and pop business depends on every cent of revenue to keep operations running, so delinquent accounts do garner attention.
If the debt is less than $600, and you can afford to pay it prior to the filing, you can easily do that and avoid having to list that particular debt. Once paid it will no longer be a delinquent debt, rather a paid debt. As long as you do not pay more than $600 to your doctor within the 90 days prior to filing your bankruptcy, you will not have to list them at all.
Typically our clients can barely afford to pay the bankruptcy fees let alone pay off medical debt prior to filing. Another option you have, if you are still inclined to pay your family doctor, would be to voluntarily pay it after you file. Your doctor’s office cannot send you any bills or reminders regarding your balances prior to filing, so this is not as easy as paying the debt prior to filing. Nonetheless, this is an option available to you that could easily maintain the good professional relationship you have with such an important professional.
However, all things need to be considered when you decide to voluntarily pay a debt included in your bankruptcy. You are seeking this bankruptcy relief for a fresh financial start. There already may be certain debts that you will remain owing once your bankruptcy is filed. If paying off this debt is going to make it difficult for you to maintain your other current monthly obligations, it is more than likely not in your best interest to pay a dischargeable medical debt.