<prompt> Human: So I had a left over hospital bill for only 22 and was never sure if I paid it or not because I thought I did. I called their number during their listed hours on the bill 3 times, left a message each time inquiring about whether or not I still owed. They never returned my calls, I forgot about it.Well I just got a letter from a collections agency. I panicked and logged on to the hospitals website and paid them the 22 I owed. Their website was atrocious and didnt even show me a bill or that I owed anything. Im pretty sure it just charged my credit card the money.So now I have a notice saying my account has been listed with our office for collection and I have 30 days to notify them that I have proof that I paid. Well I didnt pay it.So the question boils down to what can I do to minimize how much my credit will be affected. I can easily afford the 22. Any way to walk away with zero harm, or did I fuck up bad over 22?  <response>: Youve already paid it. It isnt your problem that the hospital has terrible billing practices and wouldnt answer their phone or return calls. Since you now know the bill is paid, tell the collection guys its been paid. Go look in the credit card statement if you want confirmation. Also, if they are going to be aggressive about collecting a no-longer-owed bill for only 22, let them know you will be aggressive about filing complaints and pursuing remedies available to you for their harassment. 