We got a letter from a debt collector about an unpaid bill for an MD that my wife has not seen in over 10 months. In that time we also had them mail us her medical records, and they not once mentioned a balance due, nor have we relieved any bills from them in that time. I am not so concerned with the bill, however I don't want my credit screwed up. The letter said i have 30 days to contact the agency (an attorney) to dispute the debt or they will assume it's valid. If I contact them they will: "obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgement and mail me a copy of judgement".
Do I call the debt collector first or the MD office to pay it? Either way i'm gonna give them hell for not billing me, but my primary concern is getting this paid and not having it on her credit. Am i safe to assume that the letter itself does not mean it is in collections, and I will only have hurt credit if I don't respond/pay within 30 days?