Medical Debt Collection Agency in Tennessee
MSB is a professional medical debt collection agency in Tennessee.
Tennessee at a glance
Collection agency license required.
A filing deadline depends on the claim, agreement, and applicable exceptions. These summaries do not determine the deadline for an individual account.
Debt recovery requires precision, empathy, and compliance with both state and federal law. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-109, providers have six years to pursue payment on written and open-account debts. The Tennessee Collection Service Board licenses collection agencies, while the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits unfair or deceptive collection conduct. Under federal surprise-billing rules, a provider must not send a bill to collections while an uninsured or self-pay patient’s federal dispute over that bill is pending (45 C.F.R. § 149.620(c)(5))—raising the compliance bar for healthcare revenue recovery.
The client portal shows account status and payment history for every placed account.
Tennessee medical debt collection is no longer a “business-as-usual” task. The Volunteer State enforces a six-year statute of limitations, licenses collection agencies through the Tennessee Collection Service Board, and polices “unfair or deceptive” conduct under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Federal surprise-billing rules also keep a bill out of collections while an uninsured or self-pay patient’s federal dispute over it is pending (45 C.F.R. § 149.620(c)(5)). One compliance misstep can invite fines—or worse, damage hard-won patient relationships. Partnering with Midwest Service Bureau (MSB) gives you a Tennessee medical debt collection workflow that converts receivables into revenue, without triggering Board sanctions or TCPA penalties.
HIPAA Compliance & Professional Standards
Statute of Limitations
Six years for written and open-account debts (T.C.A. § 28-3-109); restarts with a partial payment or written promise.
Surprise Billing (HB 1246, 2021)
Under federal surprise-billing rules, a provider must not move a bill into collection while an uninsured or self-pay patient’s federal dispute over it is pending (45 C.F.R. § 149.620(c)(5)).
Charity-Care Screening
Nonprofits must offer free or discounted care up to 200% FPL and wait 120 days before taking “extraordinary collection actions.”
Post-Judgment Interest
Two percent below the state formula rate for the six-month period in which judgment is entered; a judgment based on a contract or other writing that fixes a lawful rate bears that rate (T.C.A. § 47-14-121).
HIPAA & Breach Notification
MSB receives PHI by encrypted file transfer (SFTP) and handles it under its HIPAA compliance program.
Tennessee Collection Service Act (T.C.A. § 62-20-101 et seq.)
Under the Collection Service Board’s standards-of-practice rules, a violation of those rules is deemed an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of the Collection Service Act (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0320-05-.10). MSB is licensed where required (NMLS 2671949). MSB’s collectors undergo continuous TCPA and FDCPA training.
Medical Balances We Recover
Hospital & Health-System Collections
- Emergency-room visits
- Inpatient admissions
- Outpatient procedures
- Surgical & diagnostic services
Physician-Practice Collections
- Office visits & specialist consultations
- Procedure fees & follow-ups
- Lab work & imaging services
Specialty-Healthcare Debt
- Dental care
- Vision services
- Mental-health counseling
- Physical therapy & rehabilitation
- Home-health nursing
Why Choose MSB for Medical Debt Collection?
Tennessee Healthcare Knowledge
We understand the state’s healthcare system, insurance trends, and patient expectations. This helps us manage accounts accurately and with local awareness.
Compliant & Secure Collections
MSB follows Tennessee regulations, along with HIPAA and FDCPA standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not covered here? Call (800) 362-0272 and speak with a specialist.
What is the statute of limitations for Tennessee medical debt collection?
Six years from the date of default or the last payment; a new payment or written promise restarts the six-year clock.
Can medical debt affect my credit score in Tennessee?
Yes. Medical tradelines may appear. MSB suppresses reporting on request and will adjust when federal rules change.
How does medical debt collection differ from other debt?
Tennessee medical debt collection must respect HIPAA, state licensing, TCPA, surprise-billing limits, charity-care screening, and the six-year statute, stricter than ordinary consumer debt.
Will paying off medical debt help my credit?
In many cases, yes. Paid medical debt may be removed or marked as resolved, helping improve your credit profile over time. Addressing it early is better for long-term financial health.
Is my private medical information protected during collections?
Absolutely. MSB complies with HIPAA laws. Only billing and balance information is shared—never private medical history or treatment details.
Can I dispute a medical debt in Tennessee?
Yes. You have the right to dispute the debt in writing. If you dispute the debt in writing within the 30-day validation period, the collector must stop collecting it until it mails you verification of the debt (15 U.S.C. § 1692g(b)).
Contact Us Today
Ready to improve your debt recovery? Contact our team for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call (800) 362-0272- No recovery, no fee
- Licensed where required
- HIPAA compliant