Please do some research before you pay! Just paying it will restart the 7 year clock. There are other ways to pay this off and get it off your credit report. Check out the Medical board at Creditboards.com. There are some great folks over there that will help you through the process.
That's not true. Depending on the state, it may reset the statute of limitations for collection action, but it will not restart the 7-year clock.
Medical bills are pretty easy to get removed because, due to HIPPA, the original creditor cannot usually divulge the information necessary to support the claim.
If you can pay cash, sometimes they will shave off a good amount if willing to pay it off. I think it stays there for the 7 years, just shows you paid it off.