With specialized tests so expensive, why has no one in the private sector started a business to do these?

Question

When we go to the doctor and he or she orders an X-ray, a CAT scan, an ultrasound, or any other laboratory test, we typically go to the hospital to get these tests done. In some cases the doctor's office can provide these tests but in either case they are very expensive. It seems to me that a clever entrepreneur could buy the equipment needed (even second hand a a greatly reduced price) and provide "testing" services to patients for a more affordable price. Granted, the results would still have to go back to the original doctor or specialists to be evaluated, but I still wonder if this might not be a way to help people save money.

Answer 1

Because then they too will become greedy, and give a few years, (when they see how much every body else is making, and how easy it is to defraud the government)their prices will be equal and unaffordable. People claim they are interested in their Fellow Man, that's B--- S---! People only care about themselves, and Makin Money the fastest way they can. A person who would do that is usually working in the Peace Corp.

Answer 2

Actually there are plenty of private radiology clinics and laboratories outside of hosiptals. Unfortunately health care costs can be a complex issue since the government sets price through Medicare/aid and providers have to deal with insurance costs and most of the time, it is an essential service that the patient needs immediately and can't go shopping for the best price.

Answer 3

Good point. I have no answers for you. I guess you would have to ask someone smarter than me.

ALL hospitals have a form of finacial assitance. (FREE CARE)
They have to offer this by FED law. Some hosp have 25% free, 50% free and so on...
the one I use is either free or not free.. but they work with you on the bill and let you pay so much at a time..

My Dr also offers a 'free care'

Some specialists now do too.

SOME not ALL

So check that out.

Answer 4

Most hospital ARE owned by the "private sector" and what you are suggesting is exactly what they do. There are also many smaller testing labs as well that are also owned by private concerns.