How long does a doctor’s offfice have to bill you?
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How long does a doctor’s offfice have to bill you?
I just received a collection letter, not a statement or bill, 3 years after my son saw him.
Asked on December 17, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
This would probably be an action on a contract in writing, if there was any agreement vis-a-vis the provision of medical services. If that's the case, your state, OH, unfortunately provides one of the longest periods of trying to collect a debt: the statute of limitations (or time period to sue, which defines how long someone has to legally enforce a debt) is 15 years. Even if it was not in writing--just an oral or verbal agreement to provide medical service--OH still has a longer-than-usual statute: the doctor has 6 years to bring a lawsuit if necessary. Therefore, it appears that you are probably well within the time during which the doctor can take legal action. Here is a link to a website with good information about OH statutes of limitation, and good luck:
http://www.clelaw.lib.oh.us/public/misc/FAQs/Limitations.html
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The statute of limitations in OH on an open book account is four years. This means that the doctor's office can seek to collect the amount owed within four years of the date the amount was incurred.
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