[Steve Carlton]

From what I'm reading, it sounds like you're taking the wrong approach. If the collection is valid, disputing it is only going to result in it being verified and it'll still be on her credit. I don't know what the opting out and getting old addresses removed is about.

If the bill is valid, call the collection agency. Offer to pay the bill in full in exchange for a deletion letter, not them saying they'll report it as paid in full. I'd say about 50% of the time a collection agency will take that deal. You give a copy of the deletion letter to any of the three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) that are reporting the collection and it will come off as if it never happened.

If the collection agency won't do this, you could call the hospital that generated the original bill. If the name given was wrong, they might be able to rescind the collection. Then you can get the collection removed either with a letter from the collection agency (perhaps the hospital could request this) or by disputing it. They can't verify a collection that has been canceled.

Or you can hire a pro that will have a higher probability of getting it off her credit. You'll actually muddy the waters and make it more difficult for the pro if you negotiate with the collection agency and fail. The people I would recommend charge $275 + $50 processing fee. If they don't get it removed, they refund the $275. You can PM me for the contact info.