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

Two aspects.

The actual costs are the original purchase price amortized over the lifetime of the equipment, plus the time from the analyst and tech operating it.

Second, then *price* is whatever the market will bear. The cost to the hospital has nothing to do with it.