eli5: if an operational cost of an MRI scan is $50-75, why does it cost up to $3500 to a patient?

Question

Explain like I’m European.

In: Other

Answer 1

An MRI machine costs $150,000 to $1.25 million, depending on the machine. Some of the fee goes towards the initial cost of the machine.

My last MRI cost me about $25 and insurance picked up the remainder which was $300.