Consumer complaint received 2020-11-24
Company: HEAD MERCANTILE CO., INC.
State: AR
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Medical debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Notification didn't disclose it was an attempt to collect a debt

Complaint:
I received an alert from XXXX that a collection account had been added onto my file. Upon reviewing the account, I saw that there was an account from a company that I did not recognize ( HMC Group ). I sent a debt validation letter certified mail/ return receipt to HMC Group on XX/XX/2020. I also disputed the account via phone with XXXX. On XX/XX/2020 I received a letter in the mail address to me from HMC Group. In the letter was a single sheet of paper that included my personal health information/medical record. I never gave HMC Group written nor verbal permission to access nor share my medical records. I do believe that HMC Group actions violates my HIPPA Rights. I never signed a HIPPA release form that would allow HMC Group nor XXXX to access and obtain my medical records. 
In the letter I sent to HMC Group, I requested ; The name and address of the original creditor, the account number, and the amount owed. A copy of the original contract that I signed for services, verification that there is a valid basis for claiming I am required to pay the current amount owed. Details about the age and amount of the debt including a copy of the last billing statement from the original creditor ; a detailed explanation of any interest added or payments made since the last billing statement and the legal authorization for this interest ; the date the original creditor claims this debt became delinquent. Line by line accounting of the original account which should include ; transaction history and full breakdown of this account. Proof that this account is within the statue of limitations. Proof of their authority to collect this debt : whether you are licensed in my state and if so provide the date of the license, name on the license, license number, and the license number, and the name, address and telephone number of the state agency issuing the license. Since they are located in Ohio, I also requested that they provide the licensing information from Ohio state as well. 
HMC Group did not provide me any of this information. Instead, they obtained my medical record and sent that to me. 
I would also like to note that the HMC Group account was returned to XXXX  as a debt that was validated and verified. I have no access to view what information was sent to validate this date, but from what I was sent. I want to make it clear that I did not give any permission for HMC Group noXXXX XXXX to access and obtain my personal medical information. I do hope that this matter is investigated and address. If I am needed to testify to what I am stating has occurred, I am willing to do so. The account information still has not been address due to my HIPPA rights being violated by HMC Group. 
I have attached a copy of the United States Postal Service certified mail receipt, a copy of the medical record HMC Group sent to me, a copy of the envelope that the letter was sent to me in, and a screenshot of how HMC Group has updated and is reporting this account on my credit file.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation