Explain like I’m European.
In: Other
It’s more than That to operate an MRI magnet, significantly in some areas.
They use a large amount of electricity, they have an expensive service package (warranty), techs make anywhere from $40-135 an hour. Some exams take 1.5-3hours. The radiologist read isn’t even always included- some places have contracts with off site companies that do the reading or pay locums to read at home. The contrast isn’t terribly expensive, and many exams don’t need it. The cost can depend on who ordered it, the structure of the medical group providing the service, your insurance, the type of exam, etc etc…
But the real answer is 100% profit in the US.
My advice is an MRI is an extremely useful diagnostic exam and if/when you NEED one it is absolutely worth it.
But PLEASE!!! Ask questions, many providers use it as the only way they can manage to come up with ANY diagnosis. That’s malpractice and dishonest.
And DO NOT get sucked into the miserable “follow up” or “surveillance” cycle many doctors will try and get you into. 75% of the time it’s absolutely unnecessary, and done to minimize liability, maximize profit and find more shit wrong with you to “ FOLLOW UP”
On with another exam or different modality.
Source: 20 year MRI tech
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