Q. My daughter had a surgery in July, and later I received bills from the hospital, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon. I started making payments on all three immediately. Although I can't afford to pay much, I am making a good faith effort to pay whatever amount I can until my financial situation improves.

The hospital and anesthesiologist have accepted my payments, but the surgeon's office says that I must pay half now and the rest within three months, and if they don't get it they will turn me over to an attorney. The office didn't accept the payment I had sent them.

Is that legal? Can this be reported to the credit agencies? I have very good credit and do not want it blemished by a bill that I am trying to pay.

-- D. M., via e-mail

A. While Action Line thinks the surgeon's office is being very mean-spirited, it is within its rights to turn the debt over for collection. (We also think it would be cheaper for the office to work with you than to hire an attorney.)

Make an appointment to see a counselor with Consumer Credit Counseling Services, 800-355-2227, a reliable nonprofit agency. (If you prefer, you can arrange a telephone consultation.) Counselors, who are certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, should be able to help you budget your bills in such a way that the surgeon's bill gets priority.

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