At Infinity Eye Care, we are committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in our billing and debt collection practices. In accordance with the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act, we have implemented the following procedures to protect your rights as a patient:
Our Billing Process1. Initial Statement: After your medical services, we will send you an initial statement detailing your balance.2. Follow-Up Statement: If we do not receive payment after the first statement, a second statement will be sent to remind you of your outstanding balance.3. Final Notice: If payment is not made after the second statement, you will receive a final letter notifying you of our intent to refer your account to a collection agency if payment is not received.
Your Rights Under Minnesota Law● Medically Necessary Care: We will never withhold medically necessary care due to unpaid medical bills. Your access to essential health services will not be compromised because of outstanding balances.● Collection Practices: If your account is referred to a third-party collection agency, please be aware that medical debt collectors are prohibited from: o Using robo-dialers to contact you. o Threatening to withhold medical services if the debt is unpaid. o Contacting third parties (such as family members or employers) about your debt. o Violating any provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) or Minnesota law.
Disputing ChargesIf you believe there is an error with your bill (e.g., incorrect charges, coding errors), you have the right to dispute these charges. Please contact Mercedes at (952) 222-3937 or moc.nmeyeytinifni%40ofni as soon as possible. Additionally, you may contact the Minnesota Attorney General’s office for further assistance with any billing or debt collection disputes.
Legal ProtectionsMinnesota law provides specific protections when it comes to medical debt collection:● You have the right to hire an attorney or contact the Attorney General’s office regarding any concerns about your debt.● If you successfully defend a debt collection lawsuit, the court may award you your attorney’s fees.
Wage Garnishment and Property ProtectionMinnesota law also includes protections if your debt is referred to collections:● Income-based wage garnishment protections apply, which limit the amount that can be garnished from your wages based on your income level.● Property protection: Certain property, such as personal electronic devices, family pets, and religious items, is protected from seizure in collections or bankruptcy. Additionally, some vehicles and other necessary household items are protected up to certain values.
Payment Options and AssistanceIf you are unable to pay your medical bill in full, we encourage you to contact us to discuss payment options or assistance that may be available. We are here to work with you to find a solution that fits your financial situation.
For more information, or if you have any questions about our billing practices, please reach out to Mercedes at (952)222-3937 or .moc.nmeyeytinifni%40ofni
We remain committed to treating all patients with fairness and respect, ensuring that your medical care and billing process is as clear and straightforward as possible.