<prompt> Human: I just received a letter informing me that I am in collections for 79 dollars past due amount from doctors office. I have 28 days to dispute it. Is there a chance I can keep it off my credit score? After years of good practices I just got over 700 on my credit score. If I pay the doctors office will they notify the collector?  <response>: Try to pay the doctor directly and then write back to the debt collector within 30 days of their initial notice disputing the validity of the debt. Dont tell them its a valid debt or that you paid it 3 days ago, I am disputing the validity of this debt because I do not owe Dr Smith any money is a true statement thats short and to the point. 