Ampath

My physician refered me to ampath for blood tests, to my surprise my medical aid did not cover the costs. I did not receive any communication from ampath that i have to settle the debt, of which i don't have a problem with. Now my debt has been handed over to some attorneys without being informed that i owe them, how is that even possible? When i call to enquire they say there's nothing they can do, really? Is that how we are treated?