How to Pay Your Bill with Specialized Collection Systems (SCS)

Dealing with debt collection can be stressful, but Specialized Collection Systems (SCS) aims to make the process as smooth as possible for their clients. As one of the largest debt collection agencies in the country, SCS utilizes innovative technology and patient-focused techniques to help individuals resolve outstanding medical bills.

If SCS is handling debt recovery for one of your healthcare providers, you most likely received a notice from them requesting payment for unpaid services. Paying your SCS medical bill quickly and efficiently is important to avoid further collection actions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to pay your bill with Specialized Collection Systems through their online payment portal or by phone.

Online Payment Options

The easiest way to pay your SCS bill is through their online patient portal at scsselfservicecom

You can make a quick one-time payment or set up recurring payments through the portal. SCS accepts all major credit and debit cards through their secure online payment system.

To pay online:

• Visit scsselfservice.com and click “Make a Payment”
• Enter your SCS account number and ZIP code
• Select “Make Payment” and choose payment amount
• Enter credit/debit card details and submit payment

Once submitted, your payment will immediately post to your SCS account. You will receive a confirmation email with details of the transaction.

Pay by Phone

If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can pay your SCS bill over the phone.

To pay by phone:

• Call SCS at 1-800-843-7868
• Speak with a representative to make your payment
• Have your account number, payment details, and billing address ready
• A fee of up to $8 may apply for phone payments

SCS accepts all major credit/debit cards by phone. Electronic check is also an option for phone payments.

Set Up Recurring Payments

If your medical bills with SCS are ongoing, setting up recurring payments through their online bill pay system can save you time and hassle.

With recurring payments, your SCS medical bills will automatically be paid each month with the credit/debit card on file, so you don’t have to manually make payments.

To set up recurring payments:

• Log into the SCS patient portal
• Navigate to “Recurring Payments”
• Enter payment amount and date each month
• Store your credit/debit card on file

You can cancel or change your recurring payment at any time through the online portal.

Mailing a Payment

If you need to mail a payment to SCS, send your check or money order to:

Specialized Collection Systems
PO Box 441508
Houston, TX 77244

Make sure to include your SCS account number on the payment to ensure it gets applied properly. Allow up to 10 business days for mailed payments to post.

What Payment Types Are Accepted?

SCS accepts the following payment methods:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Discover
• American Express
• Electronic check
• Money order
• Personal check

Cash or cashier’s check payments must be made in person at an SCS office location.

Are There Payment Plan Options?

If you are unable to pay the full balance due, SCS may offer payment plan options depending on your account status. Payment plans allow you to make incremental payments over time until the debt is resolved.

To see if you qualify for a payment plan:

• Contact SCS at 1-800-843-7868 to discuss your account
• Be prepared to provide details on your financial situation
• An SCS agent will review options and create a plan if eligible

Payment plans may have additional fees, but can prevent further collection actions when you work directly with SCS.

Tips for Paying Your SCS Bill

• Try to pay your SCS medical bills in full if possible to avoid interest or late fees.
• Pay online for fastest processing and convenience.
• If you can’t pay in full, request a payment plan.
• Don’t ignore bills as this may result in credit reporting or legal action.
• Communicate with SCS if you have a change in financial circumstances.
• Setup autopay or recurring payments to avoid missed payments.

What If I Can’t Pay?

If you are unable to make payments on your SCS medical debt, communicate with them as soon as possible. SCS has dedicated Patient Advocates who can review your account and situation to potentially resolve the debt:

• Ask about eligibility for financial assistance programs
• Discuss options like settlement offers or payment plans
• Explain your financial hardships preventing payment

The advocate may also identify errors on your account or get outstanding bills adjusted to help ease the burden. Being open and honest gives SCS the full picture to find the best solution.

Are There Payment Assistance Options?

If you are experiencing financial hardship, SCS partners with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys and forgives medical debt for those in need.

You can visit RIP Medical Debt’s website to submit an application for debt forgiveness. If approved, your SCS account could be forgiven or adjusted to alleviate the financial burden.

SCS also works with patients to understand their financial situations and find manageable solutions. Be transparent about your circumstances to determine if you qualify for any hardship assistance programs.

Why Pay Your SCS Bill Quickly?

While debt collection may seem scary, SCS aims to handle the process ethically and as smoothly as possible. However, if left unpaid, there can be consequences:

• Damage to your credit score
• Higher debt balances due to interest
• Legal actions like wage garnishment
• Difficulty obtaining loans or credit cards

Paying your SCS medical bills quickly leads to debt resolution without further collection activities or credit impacts. Ignoring communication from them will only worsen the situation.

Is SCS Easy to Work With?

Past patients praise SCS for their patient-focused approach and compassion when handling medical debt collection. They utilize technology to allow you access your account and make payments online efficiently.

If you need personalized help, SCS has knowledgeable and friendly staff you can call to walk through your options, address concerns, and find a solution that works for your budget.

While debt collection is rarely fun, SCS aims to ease the uncertainty through transparent communication and customized payment arrangements. Paying your bill promptly is ideal, but they work earnestly to reach reasonable resolutions if you face financial hardship.

The Bottom Line

Dealing with outstanding medical bills in collections can induce stress. However, SCS provides user-friendly online tools to check your account and directly submit payments.

If needed, their compassionate Patient Advocates will help you understand the debt breakdown and create customized payment plans that work with your budget and situation.

Be proactive and transparent with SCS to demonstrate your willingness to address the debt properly. Paying your SCS bill quickly leads to fast resolution and prevents additional collection activities that can harm your finances and credit.