Debt Recovery

Tennessee Medical Debt Collection

Tennessee Medical Collections: The “Slow Pay” Motion Is Killing Your Cash Flow

Tennessee offers a fast track to judgment through its General Sessions Courts. But winning the lawsuit is only half the battle.

The real challenge begins after the judgment.

Tennessee allows any debtor to file a “Slow Pay” Motion (T.C.A. § 26-2-216). This single piece of paper can stop your wage garnishment cold and allow the patient to pay you as little as $25 a month—regardless of how much they actually earn.

If your current agency is celebrating “legal victories” but you aren’t seeing the cash, this is likely why. They are getting outmaneuvered by a simple procedural filing.

We don’t just file lawsuits and hope for the best. We use a “Pre-Legal” negotiation strategy designed specifically to prevent “Slow Pay” filings before they happen.

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Deep Analysis: The 3 Revenue Traps in the Volunteer State

Collecting in Tennessee requires navigating specific statutes that protect debtors. Here is why the “standard” national approach fails here:

1. The “Slow Pay” Stalemate (T.C.A. § 26-2-216)

The Law: A judgment debtor can file a motion to pay the judgment in installments. If the judge approves it (which they often do based on a simple affidavit of expenses), all wage garnishment is stayed as long as they make those payments.
The Risk: You might spend $300 on court costs to get a judgment, only for the judge to order a $20/month payment plan. At that rate, a $2,000 bill takes 8 years to pay off.
Our Solution: We anticipate the “Slow Pay” tactic. We negotiate voluntary payment plans before going to court. We explain to the patient: “If we go to court, the judge controls the plan, and it goes on your public record. Let’s agree to $100/month privately right now.” This often secures higher payments than a judge would grant.

2. The Hospital Lien “120-Day” Deadline

The Law: To secure a lien on a patient’s personal injury settlement, you must file a verified statement with the court clerk within 120 days of the patient’s discharge.
The Risk: Many agencies wait until an account is 120 days past due to even start working it. By then, your lien rights are dead. You lose your priority claim on the auto accident settlement.
Our Solution: We flag “Trauma/MVA” accounts immediately upon intake. We file the lien well within the 120-day window and serve the required notice to the patient and attorney within 10 days, locking in your payout.

3. The “Dependent Child” Exemption

The Law: While Tennessee follows the federal 25% garnishment rule, it adds a specific state exemption: debtors can deduct an additional $2.50 per week for each dependent child under 16 living in the state.
The Risk: It sounds small, but for low-income patients with large families, these exemptions stack up, reducing your garnishment to nearly zero.
Our Solution: We verify family size early in the process. If a patient is “garnishment proof” due to low income and many dependents, we don’t waste money suing them. We pivot to tax refund interception (if applicable) or long-term monitoring.

Our 4-Step “Volunteer” Recovery System

We have calibrated our model to leverage Tennessee’s 6-year statute of limitations while avoiding the “Slow Pay” trap.

Phase 1: The “Slow Pay” Screen (Pre-Collection)

The Strategy: We analyze the patient’s credit profile. If they have a history of filing “Slow Pay” motions or have multiple judgments, we know legal action is a trap. We route these accounts to our intensive phone negotiation team instead.
Cost: Included in service.

Phase 2: The Statutory Interest Demand (Steps 1 & 2)

The Strategy: Tennessee judgments accrue interest at a formula rate (currently approx. 9-10%). We include this calculation in our demand letters. Showing a patient that their $1,000 bill will grow by $100 a year is a powerful motivator to settle now.
The Cost: Flat fee (approx. $15/account). You keep 100% of recoveries.

Phase 3: The “Better Than Court” Offer (Step 3)

The Strategy: We use the threat of court costs (which are added to the debt) to negotiate. “Mr. Smith, if we sue, you’ll owe the debt plus $250 in court fees. Let’s set up a plan for the original balance today.” This keeps you out of the “Slow Pay” system.
The Cost: 40% contingency.

Phase 4: General Sessions Execution (Step 4)

The Strategy: For refusals who can pay, we file in General Sessions Court. It’s fast and cost-effective. If they try to file a “Slow Pay” motion with a fake budget, we challenge it. We demand proof of their expenses to ensure the judge sets a fair payment amount, not just a token $20.
The Cost: 50% contingency.

Regional Strategy: Memphis to Bristol

Tennessee is economically diverse. We adjust our tactics based on the patient’s location.

Region	Economic Profile	Collection Strategy
Nashville (Davidson Co.)	Boomtown / Healthcare	High volume of renters. We focus on bank levies rather than wage garnishment, as job hopping is common but bank accounts tend to stay stable.
Memphis (Shelby Co.)	Logistics / Urban	Courts are very busy. We use “Consent Judgments”—agreements signed before court—to speed up the process and skip the waiting line.
Chattanooga / Knoxville	Manufacturing / Service	We track large employers (VW, Amazon, Eastman) for garnishment cycles. We know their payroll schedules and time our orders to hit effectively.

FAQ: The Executive Summary

Q: What is the Statute of Limitations in Tennessee?

A: You have 6 years to sue for medical debt (T.C.A. § 28-3-109). This applies to both written contracts and “open accounts,” giving you a decent window to recover revenue.

Q: Can I charge collection fees to the patient?

A: Only if your admission paperwork explicitly states it. Tennessee courts generally uphold “reasonable” attorney fees (often 1/3 of the debt) if the patient signed a contract agreeing to pay them. We audit your forms to ensure this clause is valid.

Q: What happens if a patient files a “Slow Pay” motion?

A: The garnishment stops. However, if they miss a single payment, the stay is lifted, and we can resume garnishing their full wages immediately. We monitor these payments like a hawk.

Don’t let a $25 filing fee freeze your revenue.

Click here for a Free Audit of Your Tennessee Claims

Indiana Medical & Healthcare Debt Collection Agency

Indiana Medical Collections: We Handle the “Proceedings Supplemental” So You Don’t Have To

Running a medical practice in Indiana is hard enough without trying to play “part-time attorney.”

You know the drill: You finally get a judgment against a non-paying patient, and you expect the money to arrive. It doesn’t. Why? Because in Indiana, a judgment is just a piece of paper until you file for a “Proceedings Supplemental” hearing.

Most “national” collection agencies don’t tell you this. They get the judgment, hit a wall, and close the file. Your revenue stays stuck in the court system.

We are different. We don’t just chase paper; we chase cash. We are a true extension of your business office—handling the complex, time-consuming Indiana specific workflows so your staff can get back to patients.

Need a Collection Agency? Contact us

Why Indiana Providers Outsource to Us

We aren’t a law firm; we are a Revenue Cycle Partner. We understand that your goal isn’t to “sue everyone”—it’s to get paid quickly, fairly, and without ruining your reputation in the community.

Here is how we fix the three biggest leaks in your revenue stream:

1. We Break the “Judgment Bottleneck”

The Problem: In Indiana, getting a court judgment doesn’t automatically garnish wages. You have to drag the debtor back to court for a second hearing (Proceedings Supplemental) to find out where they work.
Our Fix: Your staff doesn’t have time to sit in a county courthouse waiting for a hearing. We do. Our team manages the entire post-judgment process. We handle the filings, the hearings, and the interrogatories to locate assets, turning that “worthless” judgment into a bi-weekly check from the patient’s employer.

2. We Save Your “Accident” Revenue (90-Day Rule)

The Problem: Indiana recently shortened the window to file a Hospital Lien to just 90 days post-discharge. If your billing team waits for the “standard” 120-day bad debt cycle to review accident files, that money is already gone.
Our Fix: We act as your “Trauma Triage” team. As soon as we see an auto accident code, we check the calendar. If you are within the window, we file the lien immediately to lock in your payment from the insurance settlement—before the patient even sees the check.

3. We Navigate the “Hardship” Bluff

The Problem: Debtors in Indiana can easily petition to lower their garnishment from 25% to 10% by claiming “financial hardship.”
Our Fix: We don’t just accept their claim. We analyze their finances before we agree to a reduction. Often, we can negotiate a voluntary payment plan that pays you more than the 10% court minimum, simply by offering terms that work for their budget but keep them out of court.

Our “Cash Flow First” Recovery Workflow

We designed this 4-step system to recover maximum revenue while maintaining a professional, “business-first” tone with your patients.

Phase 1: The “Hidden Asset” Audit (Free)
Did you know Indiana has a 10-year Statute of Limitations on written contracts? We audit your old “uncollectible” debt. If you have signed financial agreements, we can often revive accounts that other agencies told you were “too old” to touch.
Phase 2: The Diplomatic Nudge (Flat Fee)
For a low flat rate (approx. $15/account), we send a series of professional, firm letters under our agency name. We educate the patient on the Indiana legal process without making threats. This usually wakes up the 40% of patients who are simply procrastinating. You keep 100% of the money collected here.
Phase 3: The Negotiation (Contingency)
If they ignore the letters, our team gets on the phones. We explain the reality: “Mr. Smith, avoiding this bill could lead to a ‘Proceedings Supplemental’ hearing where you’ll have to take a day off work to explain your finances to a judge. Let’s set up a $50/month plan and resolve this today.” Cost: 40% of what we collect.
Phase 4: Legal Execution (Contingency)
For the refusals, we move to legal. We don’t just file suit; we follow through to the garnishment order. We handle the court costs and the headaches. Cost: 50% of what we collect.

Regional Expertise: We Know Your Market

Indianapolis & Suburbs: We use digital tools and “Interrogatories” (written questions) to speed up asset location in the busy Marion County courts.
Northwest Indiana (The Region): We are experts at garnishing wages from large manufacturing and union employers, ensuring the paperwork meets their strict HR standards.
University Towns (Bloomington/Lafayette): We focus on enforcing the “Guarantor” clauses in your intake paperwork to ensure parents are held responsible for student medical bills.

Common Questions

Q: Do I have to pay upfront for legal fees?

A: No. We generally operate on a contingency basis for the collection work. If legal action is required, we discuss court costs with you beforehand, but you never pay us a “retainer” just to work the file.

Q: Can you collect on debt that is 5 years old?

A: In Indiana, YES. If you have a signed intake form (Written Contract), the statute is 10 years. Don’t write that debt off—let us audit it.

Q: How do you handle patient complaints?

A: We treat your patients with dignity. Our calls are recorded, and our agents are trained to be “firm but fair.” We solve the billing dispute so you don’t lose the patient.

Stop letting procedural hurdles block your cash flow.

Click here to Contact Us for a Free Accounts Receivable Audit

Missouri Medical & Healthcare Debt Collection Agency

Missouri Medical Collections: The “Head of Family” Exemption Is Costing You Thousands

On paper, Missouri looks like a creditor’s dream. The Statute of Limitations for written contracts is a generous 10 years, and the courts are generally efficient.

But there is a massive hidden trap.

Missouri has one of the strongest “Head of Family” wage exemptions in the country. While federal law allows you to garnish 25% of a debtor’s paycheck, Missouri law (RSMo 525.030) slashes that to just 10% if the debtor supports a family.

If your current agency is budgeting for a 25% recovery and gets hit with a “Head of Family” affidavit, your cash flow projections collapse instantly. Worse, if they try to garnish the full 25% without proper screening, they invite legal challenges that can stall your revenue for months.

We don’t rely on “standard” garnishment math. We use a Missouri-specific recovery model that anticipates these exemptions and secures payment through other means.

Need a cost-effective Collection Agency: Contact Us

Deep Analysis: The 3 “Show-Me State” Revenue Traps

Collecting in Missouri requires navigating strict procedural statutes that national agencies often overlook.

1. The “Head of Family” 10% Cap

The Law: Under RSMo § 525.030, if a debtor is a “head of a family” (supporting a spouse or dependent child), you can only garnish 10% of their disposable earnings, not the standard 25%.
The Risk: Most out-of-state agencies assume the federal 25% rule applies everywhere. They file for a 25% garnishment, the debtor files a simple affidavit claiming the exemption, and the court slashes the order. You waste legal fees for a trickle of payment.
Our Solution: We anticipate the affidavit. We use “Step 3” negotiation to secure voluntary payment plans that are often higher than the 10% forced garnishment, by offering incentives that a court order cannot provide.

2. The “Written vs. Open” Statute Gap

The Law: Missouri has a massive split in its Statute of Limitations.
- Written Contracts: 10 years (RSMo § 516.110).
- Open Accounts: 5 years (RSMo § 516.120).
The Risk: Many patient intake forms are legally weak. If your registration paperwork doesn’t meet the strict definition of a “written contract for the payment of money,” the court defaults the debt to an “Open Account.” You lose 5 years of collectibility instantly.
Our Solution: We audit your intake forms during onboarding. We classify accounts by “Contract Strength” to prioritize those approaching the 5-year cliff, ensuring we file suit before the shorter window closes.

3. The Hospital Lien “Notice” Failure

The Law: RSMo § 430.230 gives hospitals a lien on personal injury settlements (up to 50% of net proceeds). However, this lien is only valid if proper notice is served to the tortfeasor and insurer before they pay out.
The Risk: If the insurance company sends a check to the patient before your agency serves the formal notice, your lien is extinguished. You cannot go back and claim the money. Speed is everything.
Our Solution: We don’t wait for “billing cycles.” When we detect an auto accident claim, we serve the statutory Notice of Lien immediately via certified mail, locking in your rights before the settlement check is cut.

Need a Collection Agency? Contact us

Our 4-Step “Show-Me” Recovery System

We have adapted our model to leverage Missouri’s 9% statutory interest rate while navigating the garnishment caps.

Phase 1: The Contract Audit (Pre-Collection)

The Strategy: We check your “Date of Service” against the 5-Year vs. 10-Year rule. We also scrub for Unanticipated Out-of-Network status to comply with Missouri’s “surprise billing” laws (RSMo § 376.690).
Cost: Included in service.

Phase 2: The “Statutory Interest” Demand (Steps 1 & 2)

The Strategy: Missouri allows for 9% statutory interest on non-tort judgments if no other rate is agreed upon (RSMo § 408.020). We include this calculation in our demand letters to show debtors that waiting to pay will cost them more.
The Cost: Flat fee (approx. $15/account). You keep 100% of recoveries.

Phase 3: The “10% Reality” Negotiation (Step 3)

The Strategy: We know the debtor can likely claim the “Head of Family” exemption. Instead of fighting it, we use it. “Mr. Smith, a garnishment will take 10% of your check forever and ruin your credit. Let’s agree to a fixed monthly plan that pays this off faster and keeps your employer out of it.”
The Cost: 40% contingency.

Phase 4: Litigation & Revival (Step 4)

The Strategy: For refusals, we file suit. Missouri judgments last 10 years and can be revived for another 10. We view judgments as long-term assets, monitoring the debtor’s financial situation for years to catch them when they eventually sell a home or get a better job.
The Cost: 50% contingency.

Regional Strategy: St. Louis to the Ozarks

Missouri is economically diverse. We adjust our tactics based on the patient’s location.

Region	Economic Profile	Collection Strategy
St. Louis / Kansas City	Urban / Corporate	High volume of “Head of Family” exemptions. We focus on bank levies (which don’t always have the same automatic 90% exemption as wages) rather than wage garnishment.
Springfield / Branson	Service / Tourism	Seasonal income fluctuation. We use “catch-up” plans that allow lower payments in off-peak months.
Rural Missouri	Agricultural	We utilize the 10-year Statute of Limitations effectively here, knowing that asset liquidity (harvests, land sales) operates on long cycles.

FAQ: The Executive Summary

Q: What is the Statute of Limitations in Missouri?

A: It depends on your paperwork. 10 years for written contracts, but 5 years for open accounts/oral agreements. We act as if every account is a “5-year” account to be safe, unless we have a signed promissory note.

Q: Can you garnish wages in Missouri?

A: Yes, but with a catch. The standard is 25%, but if the debtor is a “Head of Family,” it drops to 10%. Note: Child support garnishments are much higher (50-65%).

Q: Can we charge interest?

A: Yes. If your contract doesn’t specify a rate, Missouri law allows 9% per annum. This is higher than many states and is a powerful motivator.

Stop letting the “Head of Family” exemption freeze your revenue.

Click here for a Free Audit of Your Missouri Claims

Suing for Unpaid Bills: The Legal Process, Costs & When to Walk Away

The “Nuclear Option”: Why You Should Hesitate Before You Sue

Filing a lawsuit feels like taking control. You are angry, you are right, and you want justice. But in the world of debt collection, justice is expensive.

Before you pay a retainer to an attorney, you must understand that the court system is not designed to be your accounts receivable department. It is slow, unpredictable, and often favors the debtor.

The 3 Biggest Disadvantages of Legal Action

If you ask a lawyer, they might say “you have a strong case.” If you ask a CFO, they will ask you to look at these three risks:

1. The “Sunk Cost” Trap (Good Money After Bad)

Litigation is “front-loaded.” You must pay filing fees ($200-$500), process server fees ($100+), and attorney retainers ($2,000+) upfront.

The Risk: If you sue for $10,000 and spend $4,000 to win, you have only recovered $6,000—and that is only if the debtor actually pays.
The Reality: If the debtor files for Bankruptcy Chapter 7 the day before the trial, your lawsuit dies instantly, and your $4,000 in legal fees is gone forever.

2. The Public Record (Reputation Damage)

Lawsuits are public records.

The Risk: Future clients or partners can see that you are litigious. If you are a contractor or a service provider, getting a reputation for “suing your customers” can hurt your sales pipeline more than the bad debt itself.
The Time Sink: You will lose dozens of hours gathering evidence, sitting in depositions, and waiting in hallways at the courthouse. Your time is worth money—factor that into the cost.

3. The Judgment is Just Paper

Winning a lawsuit does not mean a check magically appears in your mailbox.

The Risk: A court Judgment gives you the right to collect, but it doesn’t force the money out of their pocket. You still have to pay more money to the Sheriff to garnish wages or levy bank accounts. If the debtor works “under the table” or changes banks, your judgment is a worthless piece of paper suitable for framing.

WARNING: The “Counter-Suit” Boomerang

This is the danger most business owners ignore until it is too late. When you sue a debtor, you are handing them a weapon.

To defend themselves, a debtor’s attorney will look for any reason to file a Counter-Claim against you. Suddenly, you aren’t just fighting to get paid $5,000; you are fighting to defend yourself against a $50,000 lawsuit.

Common Counter-Suit Triggers:

Breach of Contract: “I didn’t pay because the work was defective/late/incomplete.” Now the court has to inspect your work, dragging the case on for months.
FDCPA Violations: If you (or your staff) called them too many times, called their workplace, or threatened them, they can sue you under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Defamation: Did you tell a vendor or neighbor that this person “doesn’t pay their bills”? That could be grounds for a defamation counter-suit.

Insider Advice: Never rush into a lawsuit out of anger. If your internal documentation isn’t perfect, a counter-suit could bankrupt you. Consider hiring a collection agency before you jump to an attorney to sue your debtor.

The 9 Steps of a Debt Lawsuit (The Realistic Version)

If you have weighed the risks and determined the debtor has assets (Real Estate, W-2 Income) worth seizing, here is the roadmap:

1. The Final Demand (The “Shot Across the Bow”)

Send a formal “Notice of Intent to Sue” via Certified Mail.

Reality: This letter often works better than the lawsuit itself. It shows you are serious.

2. Filing the Complaint

You file the paperwork with the court clerk.

Reality: If you are an LLC or Corporation, most states require you to hire a lawyer. You typically cannot represent yourself in higher courts.

3. Service of Process

A Sheriff or Process Server hands the papers to the debtor.

Reality: Professional debtors know how to “dodge service.” If you can’t find them to hand them the paper, the lawsuit stops dead.

4. The Answer Period

The debtor has 20-30 days to respond.

Reality: Most ignore it. If they do, you win by default. If they file an “Answer” denying the debt, get ready to write another check to your lawyer.

5. Discovery & Depositions

Both sides trade emails, texts, and documents.

Reality: This is the expensive part. Lawyers charge hourly to read your emails.

6. Mediation (Mandatory in many states)

The judge may force you to sit in a room and try to settle before letting you go to trial.

Reality: You often end up settling for 60% of the debt just to make the legal fees stop.

7. Trial

You present your case to a Judge (or Jury).

Reality: Bench trials (judge only) are faster. Jury trials are unpredictable and expensive.

8. Judgment

You win! The court says they owe you money plus interest.

9. Enforcement (The Hard Part)

Now the hunt begins.

Bank Levy: You freeze their checking account. (Only works if you know where they bank).
Wage Garnishment: You take 25% of their net pay. (Only works if they have a steady W-2 job).
Property Lien: You put a cloud on their home title. (You only get paid when they sell the house).

The Bottom Line: Calculation

Do not sue if:

The debt is under $2,500 (Small claims fees will eat the profit).
The debtor is unemployed, self-employed, or “Judgment Proof.”
Your own paperwork (contracts/change orders) is messy or unsigned.

Consider a Collection Agency if:

You want to avoid legal fees (Agencies work on contingency—no win, no fee).
You want to preserve your reputation.
You want to report the debt to Credit Bureaus rather than a court docket.

Litigation is a tool, not a guarantee.

Georgia Medical Collections: The “75-Day” Trap Behind the Peach Curtain

Georgia is often seen as a “creditor-friendly” state thanks to its efficient Magistrate Court system and strong garnishment laws. But for medical providers, this reputation is dangerous.

If your agency treats Georgia like “just another state,” they are likely missing the strict 75-day deadline to perfect a hospital lien. Once that window closes, your right to collect from a lucrative auto accident settlement is often gone forever.

Furthermore, the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act (HB 888) has criminalized standard balance-billing practices for out-of-network care. If your collectors don’t know the difference between a “qualified emergency service” and a standard bill, they are walking you into a regulatory nightmare.

We don’t just “dial for dollars.” We act as a revenue firewall, navigating the specific O.C.G.A. statutes to secure your payments before they legally expire.

Need a Medical Collection in Georgia? Contact Us

Deep Analysis: The 3 Revenue Leaks in Georgia

Collecting in the Peach State requires a strategy that accounts for specific legislative pitfalls. Here is why national agencies often fail here:

1. The “75-Day” Lien Deadline

The Law: Under O.C.G.A. § 44-14-471, hospitals must file a verified statement of lien within 75 days of the patient’s discharge to secure rights to a personal injury settlement. (Physician practices have 90 days).
The Risk: Most agencies wait 90-120 days before even looking at an account. By the time they receive the file, the deadline to perfect the lien has already passed. You lose your priority claim on the insurance settlement.
Our Solution: We flag “accident code” accounts immediately upon intake. We file the preliminary lien notice within the 75-day window, ensuring you get paid before the patient spends their settlement check.

2. The HB 888 “Balance Billing” Trap

The Law: The Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act (HB 888) prohibits billing patients for more than their in-network cost-sharing amount for emergency services, even if you are out-of-network.
The Risk: If your agency aggressively pursues a patient for a “balance bill” that is now illegal under state law, you face penalties and the debt is uncollectible.
Our Solution: We scrub accounts against the “Emergency/Non-Emergency” status and insurance network data. We ensure we are only pursuing the legal patient responsibility (deductibles/copays), protecting your reputation.

3. The “Intake Form” Statute Gap (4 vs. 6 Years)

The Law: Georgia has two statutes of limitations: 6 years for simple written contracts, but only 4 years for “open accounts” (oral agreements).
The Risk: If your patient intake forms are vague or missing a signature, the court may classify the debt as an “open account,” slashing your legal collection window by two full years.
Our Solution: We audit your intake paperwork. If we see “weak” contracts, we prioritize those accounts for faster resolution before the 4-year “open account” clock runs out.

Our 4-Step “Peach State” Recovery System

We have calibrated our recovery model to leverage Georgia’s powerful Magistrate Courts while respecting HB 888.

Phase 1: The Trauma & Liability Scrub (Pre-Collection)

The Strategy: Is the debt is related to a motor vehicle accident (MVA). If yes, we immediately verify the 75-day lien window. Does the balance falls under HB 888 restrictions.

Phase 2: The “O.C.G.A.” Demand (Steps 1 & 2)

The Strategy: We send compliant demands that clearly state the debt validation details required by federal and state law. We focus on the 7% statutory interest (if applicable) to encourage early payment.
The Cost: A simple flat fee (approx. $15/account). You keep 100% of recoveries.

Phase 3: The Garnishment Lever (Step 3)

The Strategy: Georgia is one of the few states that allows Continuing Garnishment. This means one court order can capture wages week after week until the debt is paid (unlike “one-shot” states).
The Negotiation: We explain this reality to the debtor. “Mr. Smith, in Georgia, a garnishment doesn’t stop after one paycheck. It continues until the entire balance is paid. Let’s set up a voluntary plan to avoid that.”
The Cost: 40% contingency.

Phase 4: Magistrate Court Execution (Step 4)

The Strategy: For refusals, we utilize Georgia’s efficient Magistrate Courts (Small Claims). We pursue judgment and then execute a “fi. fa.” (writ of fieri facias) to levy bank accounts or wages.
The Cost: 50% contingency.

Regional Strategy: From Metro Atlanta to the Coast

Georgia is economically diverse. We adjust our tactics based on the patient’s location.

Region	Economic Profile	Collection Strategy
Metro Atlanta (Fulton/Gwinnett)	High Traffic / Corporate	Heavy focus on Lien Perfection due to high volume of auto accidents. We also navigate the complex hospital systems (Emory/Northside) billing disputes.
South Georgia (Valdosta/Albany)	Agricultural / Rural	Seasonal cash flow. We structure payment plans around harvest cycles for agricultural workers, improving consistency.
Coastal (Savannah/Brunswick)	Port / Logistics	Focus on garnishment effectiveness, as many residents work for large, stable logistics companies where wage attachment is straightforward.

FAQ: The Executive Summary

Q: Can you garnish wages in Georgia?

A: Yes. Georgia is very creditor-friendly. We can garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings (or the amount exceeding 30x minimum wage). Even better, it is a “continuing” garnishment that stays in place for 179 days or until the debt is paid.

Q: What is the interest rate limit?

A: If your contract doesn’t specify a rate, the legal rate is 7% simple interest per year. If you have a written contract, you can agree to higher rates (within reason). Judgments accrue interest at Prime + 3%.

Q: Can you report “Surprise Bills” to credit bureaus?

A: No. Under HB 888, if the bill is a “surprise bill” (out-of-network emergency care, etc.), you generally cannot report the balance-billed amount to credit agencies. We ensure strict compliance here to avoid lawsuits.

Don’t let the 75-day deadline erase your accident revenue.

Being in the medical profession means that you are making people healthier, helping people deal with chronic problems, and saving lives. However, even though those things are huge for the betterment of the community, still medical professionals are also businessmen and must do everything to make their practice profitable.

Click here for a Free Audit of Your Georgia Claims

Massachusetts Medical Debt Collection Agency

Massachusetts is arguably the most procedurally complex state for debt collection in New England. Unlike other states where a court judgment automatically grants you the right to garnish wages, Massachusetts requires a second, tedious legal battle known as “Supplementary Process.”

If your current agency thinks getting a judgment means “mission accomplished,” they are likely sitting on a pile of uncollected paper judgments. In the Commonwealth, a judgment is just a piece of paper until a judge issues a specific “Payment Order”.

For revenue cycle leaders—from the academic medical centers in Boston to community hospitals in the Berkshires—this means you need a partner who doesn’t just know how to sue, but how to navigate the post-judgment maze of M.G.L. c. 224.

Need a Medical Collection Agency in Massachusetts? Contact us

Deep Analysis: The 3 Revenue Traps in the Commonwealth

Standard national strategies fail here because they underestimate the protections built into the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) and Attorney General regulations (940 CMR 7.00).

1. The “Supplementary Process” Bottleneck

The Law: Winning a lawsuit (M.G.L. c. 218) does not give you the right to garnish wages immediately. You must file a separate “Supplementary Process” action (M.G.L. c. 224) to bring the debtor back to court for an “examination of ability to pay.”
The Risk: Most agencies stop after the first lawsuit. They get the judgment and wait for a check that never comes. Without the “Supplementary Process” order, the debtor has zero legal obligation to hand over their paycheck.
Our Solution: We treat the initial judgment as merely “Step 1.” Our legal workflow automatically triggers the Supplementary Process filing if a voluntary plan isn’t reached within 30 days of judgment, forcing the debtor to disclose their assets to a judge.

2. The “Health Safety Net” (HSN) Compliance Trap

The Law: Massachusetts hospitals are required to screen patients for the Health Safety Net (HSN) (formerly the Free Care Pool) before billing. Eligibility extends up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The Risk: If you send an account to collections without properly documenting this screening, you aren’t just violating MassHealth regulations—you risk losing your surcharge reimbursements from the state pool.
Our Solution: We integrate an “HSN Scrub” into our intake. If a patient flags as potentially eligible (e.g., unemployed or on MassHealth Limited), we pause collection and help you route them back to your financial counselors, often recovering payment from the state rather than the patient.

3. The “70A Lien” Timing Rule

The Law: M.G.L. c. 111 § 70A allows you to place a lien on a patient’s personal injury settlement. However, the lien must be perfected prior to any judgment or settlement.
The Risk: Unlike states with a “100-day post-discharge” window, Massachusetts requires strict timing. If the patient settles their accident case on Tuesday and your agency files the lien on Wednesday, your lien is worthless.
Our Solution: We monitor “Date of Accident” vs. “Current Date” closely. We file Notice of Liens via certified mail immediately upon identifying third-party liability to “lock in” your claim before the insurance company cuts a check.

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Our 4-Step “Bay State” Recovery System

We have adapted our model to handle the 940 CMR 7.00 regulations and the specific “capias” (arrest warrant for civil contempt) procedures unique to MA.

Phase 1: HSN & Insurance Audit (Pre-Collection)

The Strategy: We verify if the patient is an HSN candidate. We also check for Auto Insurance (PIP) on accident claims, as MA is a “No-Fault” state where the auto insurer pays the first $2,000 or $8,000 of medical bills before health insurance touches it.

Phase 2: The “940 CMR” Compliant Nudge (Steps 1 & 2)

The Strategy: Massachusetts has strict rules on call frequency (no more than 2 calls in 7 days to a home). We use a “Letter-First” approach that respects these limits while clearly explaining the debt.
The Cost: Flat fee (approx. $15/account). You keep 100% of recoveries.

Phase 3: The “Payment Order” Negotiation (Step 3)

The Strategy: We explain the reality of M.G.L. c. 224 to the debtor. “Mr. Smith, if we go to Supplementary Process, the judge will examine your spending—coffee, cable, rent—and order a weekly payment. Let’s set up a voluntary plan now to keep you out of court.”
The Cost: 40% contingency.

Phase 4: Litigation & Capias (Step 4)

The Strategy: We use the courts not just for a judgment, but for enforcement. If a debtor ignores the Supplementary Process order, we petition for a Capias (civil arrest warrant) to compel their appearance. This is the “nuclear option” that usually prompts immediate payment.
The Cost: 50% contingency.

Regional Strategy: Serving the Commonwealth

Collecting in Boston is different from collecting in Worcester. We adjust our tactics accordingly.

Region	Economic Profile	Collection Strategy
Greater Boston (MGB/Beth Israel)	High Income / Biotech	Focus on insurance denials and “balance billing” disputes. Patients here are savvy; we use detailed EOB explanations to prove the debt is valid.
Central MA (UMass Memorial)	Mixed Industrial / Ed	High volume of “underinsured” patients. We use flexible payment plans that align with bi-weekly factory or university payroll cycles.
Western MA (Baystate)	Rural / Service	HSN eligibility is higher here. We focus heavily on screening for state assistance to ensure we aren’t chasing uncollectible debts.

FAQ: The Executive Summary

Q: Can you garnish wages in Massachusetts?

A: Yes, but it is harder than in other states. We can garnish the lesser of 15% of gross wages or the amount exceeding 50x minimum wage. However, we must get a Supplementary Process order first. It is a two-step legal battle.

Q: What is the Statute of Limitations?

A: You have 6 years to sue for medical debt (contract actions). However, we recommend acting within 12 months to ensure we can leverage insurance appeals if needed.

Q: Can you charge interest?

A: Generally, yes. The statutory rate is 6% unless your admission paperwork specifies a different rate. If you try to charge more without a contract, you risk violating state consumer protection laws (c. 93A).

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