In short (for a friend because she is busy but I HAVE TIME):
A scamming ambulance company charged me $2200 for a few blocks ride to the hospital and I never received a bill in the three years past. I inquired about something on my credit report and saw it there and immediately called them.
Issues:
1. The amount of time it took while they were "looking into a settlement."- 4 weeks total
2. Once I contacted them again, all of a sudden "this company does not negotiate settlements"...so when were you going to notify me knowing that you are adding interest each day the account is in collections.
3. Their payment systems are from 1987, where there is no email receipts, notifications (only by mail.)
I decided to go ahead and pay it off upfront because I do not want to be in the same situation as before where things get lost in collections land.
Revamp your systems and your communication skills read more