D..
ETA: I just want to add something in regards to you mentioning CT scans. Not all CT scans are equal. Believe me, you don't want a scan done using an older CT scanning machine. The newer machines image far more "slices" than the older ones, showing a MUCH clearer image than the older ones. It can make the difference in the right diagnosis, or not. I know this personally (the hard school of knocks.) So I believe strongly that sometimes you get what you pay for. I don't know if the same applies to MRI's - but I'd make sure before I let anyone with an old machine have anything to do with my care!
Original:
Sometimes you just can't find out what a procedure costs. I have asked before and they couldn't tell me because the costs have to do with the negotiated rate between the hospital, doctor and insurance company. And different insurance policies have to do with the rates too.
It's frustrating. The best you can do is be with an in-network provider. The people who REALLY get screwed are the ones who have no insurance at all. They pay a huge rate.
Dawn