Diagnostic Services Should Not Be Allowed To Require The Equivalent Of A Blank Check.

Imaging facilities can refuse service unless the patient signs a form promising to pay the difference, however, they will not provide the patient with an estimate of how much the service costs. It is an MRI, chances are that the cost will not change from patient to patient. They say that they cannot tell us because every insurance pays a different amount. This means that for a standard procedure, they charge different amounts. To refuse service, unless one signs, is the equivalent of requiring patients to give them a signed, blank check. I am certain that there are better ways, such as confirming with the patients' insurance company that they will pay, before the patient arrives at the appointment. We need fee transparency.