ACCOUNT ARRANGEMENTS

My Son needed undergo a dental operation on 15/09/ 2015. We received authorisation from my medical aid. I received an email that my medical aid will cover part of the account and I will be responsible for the balance. I did not understand the email correctly and thought that this account will be settled in full by my medical aid. I received an account from my Doctor stating I am liable for the balance and needed to pay the amount of R3311.47. I informed them I did not have the money and is willing to make an arrangement. They gave me four months to make the arrangements, upon which I informed them that I am not by the means to honour that arrangement, if further arrangements could be made. I was informed should this amount not be settled then the account will be handed over to a collection agency. Only then can I make further arrangement to settle the account. however to my dismay I received an sms stating that I have NOW been handed over to an Attorney and NOT the collection agency, who informed me that I must settle the account in full and no further arrangements. I am willing to pay off this account, but can ill afford to settle in Full. PLEASE HELP