Officials from the Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) say double bills for procedures may have been mistakenly sent to thousands of former patients.

Officials say the hospital recently hired an outside agency was hired to collect outstanding debts. However, they say the company made a mistake and sent out bills to thousands that should not have received one. NUMC sent a statement to News 12 Long Island saying that the letter should have sought assistance in having the patient?s insurance company pay the outstanding balance.

Officials recommend keeping medical records for at least seven years to keep billing issues from becoming a problem. The hospital is asking that anyone with legitimate claims contact NUMC?s financial department or fax in proof of payment or insurance.