Money over health

I was a patient of Dr Roberts for 3 years, I never had an outstanding account. I made an appointment for a family member expecting the fee would not be over a certain amount , as previously the same consultation was around R600 and the account for exactly the same consultation was now over R1600. This took place during the height of covid so I called the reception to cancel my appointment as I would not have funds. While on the phone the lady who does the accounts interrupted and asked to speak to me, the issue is not with the fact that I had an outstanding account but how it was handled. At least have some empathy for patients that are going through hard times but she was cold and rude, all she said is when are you going to pay this. Not can we assist with paying it off just pay this urgently. Following she sent me an email saying Dr Roberts did not want to hand it over but had no choice. So I chose to rather be handed over and deal with debt collectors and possibly receive a listing then ever dealing with Dr Roberts staff again. Very sad that a patient for over 3 years is treated this way. There is no concern that I had to cancel an appointment for myself and was obviously having trouble financially just as many of other people were but a question of money. I know of many Doctors that helped their patients during covid, Doctors who never charged their patients, Doctors who bravely treated covid patients at their homes putting their own health at risk. Respect to all the medical professionals who reached out and helped, I applaud them.