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

Costs include:
* Running the MRI/Facility Fee.  
* Radiation technologist to run it.  
* Potentially placing an IV for contrast, giving contrast, and the cost of the contrast, and potentially point of care lab work for such.  
* Radiologist to read/interpret the MRI.   

But the real answer is because thats what the hospital can charge