Debt Recovery

We have been made aware of a growing concern that collection agencies are increasingly not reporting debts to credit bureaus. Believe us when we say that creditors across various industries are voicing their complaints. Obviously, this has a negative impact on the recovery rate.

If collection agencies had the ability to report every legitimate debt, they certainly would when all other collection efforts fail. However, the reality is that Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) — TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax — do not permit it in all cases.

Here is an excerpt from the credit reporting manual of one of the major CRAs:

The banking industry has been hit with what the CFPB called “Junk fees” and there is a full assault on collection agencies attempting to collect medical debt – not only from the CFPB on the federal side, but from the state side too.

Already a dozen states made it illegal to credit report on medical debts. Even a state like Indiana (a traditional red state) is not only attempting to block credit reporting but also stating that collection agencies would not be able to get judgments if they file suit.  This is problematic.

If the balance merits it ($2K+) and the debtor has a decent credit score, job and maybe some assets like a home, Collection Agencies could file suit.

( Article written on 02/20/2025)

Remote work has grown into a standard business model, prompting companies to issue tools such as laptops, tablets, and other devices for employee use. However, when team members exit the organization, it can become a challenge to retrieve these assets—especially if the individual ignores return requests. To tackle this dilemma, many organizations turn to professional collection agencies, leveraging their legal know-how and specialized resources to expedite the process.

Common Obstacles in Retrieving Company Property

1. Communication Breakdowns
   After ending their employment, some former staff members dodge messages and requests to return company tools. Repeated follow-ups can quickly turn into a major time sink for internal teams.
2. Complex Legal Terrain
   Enforcing the return of equipment without understanding the finer points of the law can result in accidental violations. Organizations risk legal challenges if they overreach or use aggressive methods.
3. Insufficient Internal Resources
   Many businesses lack the capacity or expertise to handle asset recovery on their own. This could involve tracking down former employees who have relocated or cut off contact.

How a Professional Collection Agency Can Help

1. Skilled Negotiation and Legal Compliance
   Collection specialists use well-established strategies to locate individuals and communicate effectively, always acting within legal parameters. Their familiarity with state and federal regulations lowers the risk of lawsuits.
2. Protecting Corporate Image
   By delegating asset recovery to an outside firm, businesses avoid the impression of hostility. This approach preserves professional relationships and shields the company from reputational damage.
3. Access to Specialized Tools
   Agencies frequently employ techniques like skip tracing, advanced data analytics, and other intelligence methods to track down uncooperative former staff.
4. Efficient Resolution
   Professional agencies know how to streamline the process—ensuring that either the equipment is returned or the organization receives compensation for its loss in a timely fashion.

A Glimpse into the Collection Agency Process

Imagine your organization loaned a laptop valued at $1,000 to a remote employee who has since left and refuses to respond. A specialized recovery firm would likely proceed as follows:

1. Initial Outreach
   They begin by sending formal communication to the ex-employee, clearly outlining the requirement to either return the device or cover its cost.
2. Strategic Follow-Ups
   If initial attempts fail, they leverage advanced people-search tools and conduct persistent yet lawful communication to prompt the individual to comply.
3. Resolution and Remittance
   Once the situation is resolved—either the gear is returned or payment is secured—the agency deducts its service fee, and the remainder is transferred back to your company.

Best Practices for Employers

1. Establish Written Guidelines
   Include clear stipulations in employment contracts detailing how and when company property must be returned. Make sure these clauses are straightforward and understood by all.
2. Document Interactions
   Keep a thorough record of every communication with the former employee about the missing assets. This paper trail can be invaluable should legal proceedings arise.
3. Team Up with Reputable Partners
   If you opt to hire a collection service, investigate its track record and confirm it adheres to all relevant laws and standards for ethical asset recovery.
4. Seek Professional Counsel
   If the situation escalates or if you’re uncertain about legal matters, consult an attorney or legal advisor. Their expertise can steer you away from potential missteps.

The Big Takeaway

Bringing in a professional collection agency to recover equipment from former staff is a strategic move for many businesses. This approach lets you concentrate on core operations instead of battling to retrieve lost or unreturned assets. By pairing robust internal policies with industry experts, you can maintain high operational standards, safeguard valuable equipment, and show employees—past and present—that your organization values accountability and efficiency.

One of the most effective tools in recovering unpaid medical bills has been credit bureau reporting. Patients fear that outstanding medical debts will tarnish their credit reports, reducing their chances of obtaining loans and potentially affecting employment opportunities. However, this window of opportunity is gradually closing as CFPB and states are gradually enact laws to stop or restrict credit bureau reporting of medical debts, making recovery efforts very challenging.

Act Now: Changing Laws Are Making Healthcare Debt Recovery More Challenging

Its all happening in front of us – Federal and state governments are rapidly eliminating the credit reporting of medical debts or imposing strict restrictions, making healthcare debt recovery increasingly difficult. The window to recover unpaid medical bills is closing fast.

Start the Collections Process Immediately

It’s imperative to initiate the collections process early, before patients begin to view their medical bills as a low priority, believing there will be no repercussions for not paying. Delaying action can result in missed opportunities to recover debts that are rightfully owed.

Credit Reporting Agencies Are Minimizing the Impact of Medical Debts

To make matters worse, credit reporting agencies like Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, along with credit scoring models such as FICO and VantageScore, have already started to minimize the impact of medical bills on credit scores. This means unpaid medical debts may no longer significantly affect a patient’s creditworthiness, reducing their incentive to pay.

List of Laws Passed and Pending Approval 

Be First in Line Before Patient Finances Deteriorate

Medical collections should be a top priority because patients’ finances can deteriorate very quickly; they might accrue additional bills from other healthcare providers. You want to be first in line to secure payment before funds are depleted elsewhere. We strongly recommend sending accounts to a collection agency after 60 to 90 days of non-payment, even though medical credit reporting can now occur after one year due to stringent new laws.

Choose a Reputable Healthcare Collection Agency

When hiring a healthcare collection agency, you must select one that will not tarnish your reputation during collections. Ensure the agency:

• Follows all federal and state laws
• Is licensed to collect in all 50 states
• Keeps patients’ data safe and is HIPAA compliant
• Offers bilingual services
• Serves hundreds of healthcare clients
• Has a track record of delivering excellent recovery rates

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The landscape of medical debt recovery is changing rapidly. Act now to protect your revenue and maintain the financial health of your practice. Initiate the collections process promptly to navigate these challenges effectively.

In the world of debt collection, success isn’t just about recovering outstanding balances. It’s about building lasting relationships, upholding ethical practices, and aligning with clients whose values mirror your own.

That’s why a collection agency should be highly selective when onboarding new clients. It’s not just about taking on any business that comes your way; it’s about finding the right fit.

Its OK to tell a potential client – Our collection agency is not the right fit for you.

It’s pointless to waste your client’s time or your debt collector’s time working on accounts that fall outside your area of expertise or where your collection methodology doesn’t align with the client’s expectations.

Philosophical Alignment

Every collection agency has a unique approach to its work. Some may prioritize aggressive tactics, while others emphasize amicable solutions. Similarly, clients have varying expectations for how their collections should be handled.

A mismatch in these philosophies can lead to dissatisfaction and even ethical concerns. It’s crucial to accept clients whose approach aligns with your agency’s core values.

• For instance, if a client demands aggressive tactics but your agency prides itself on maintaining positive relationships with debtors, it’s likely not a good match.
• Additionally, consider if the client’s industry or the nature of the debts aligns with your agency’s expertise and comfort level.
• Your expertise may be consumer collections, while client may have commercial accounts, or, client is not willing to use your services in the way you have designed them, or, client just wants to dump accounts older than 2 years old and per your experience your recovery rate on accounts is nearly zero for such old accounts. Its OK to say “Sorry”.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While it’s tempting to take on every client, sometimes the cost of onboarding and servicing an account outweighs the potential benefits.

• For clients with just a few low-balance accounts, the administrative and operational costs can quickly exceed the commission earned. It’s essential to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis before accepting any new client.
• Factor in the age and collectability of the debts, as well as any potential legal or compliance complexities.

Understanding Client Needs

Clients have different priorities when choosing a collection agency.

• Some may prioritize high recovery rates and be willing to pay higher contingency fees for a full-service agency.
• Others may prioritize lower fees and compliance but be less concerned about data security. It’s crucial to understand a client’s needs and expectations before entering into a partnership.
• Ensure that you have the resources and capabilities to meet their specific requirements.

Additional Considerations

• Client Reputation: Conduct due diligence on potential clients. Check their reputation, financial stability, and any history of legal or ethical issues.
• Communication & Transparency: Establish clear communication channels and expectations from the outset. Transparency about fees, processes, and progress is essential for a successful partnership.
• Scalability: Consider whether the client’s needs align with your agency’s growth plans and capacity.

Final Thoughts

Selectivity in client onboarding isn’t just a good practice; it’s a strategic imperative for collection agencies.

By choosing clients wisely, agencies can ensure philosophical alignment, maximize profitability, and build long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Remember, in the collection industry, quality trumps quantity.