Cash Upfront payment Insisted upon at medi-Clinic

I called the Netcare - Malvern Medicross to book a doctors appointment for my sons acute back pain, and gasped when I heard the response from the Reception attendant " Is it cash or medical Aid?" ANS. Cash. " I will take cash upfront which includes consult and medication" Anything over and above must be settled before leaving"

I am Ok with this response, but the bit about PAY UPFRONT for cash patients floored me a bit as it just shows it about money , and not your health that comes first at Medicross. I remarked, Do you want me to EFT the money as I was now upset. I guess times have changed as medical aids must approve upfront, and cash paying patients must follow suit, or Netcare has high incidents of non-medical aid patients not paying their bills or absconding after treatment. However, I am yet to meet a doctor who has asked me for cash payment upfront and I am now 62 years old.