Last year my doctor recommended I have an MRI prior to surgery. She referred me to an imaging clinic affiliated with the large conglomerate practice in which she worked, Marinhealth/UCSF. I had had several MRIs in the past, when I lived in New York City, and usually paid cash due to lack of insurance or wanting a quicker result. My past MRIs all cost between $400 and $600. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the imaging facility tried to bill my insurance for approximately $10,000! My insurance company refused to pay this amount, and the facility accepted approximately $4,500 for the MRI. I have a 20 percent coinsurance rate, so they told me I’d have to pay around $900! I told them the price was exorbitant and I would not pay it. They eventually agreed to accept about $450. I feel sorry for people who don’t know you can negotiate, or those who don’t speak English well or are just intimidated by the system. It’s shocking a healthcare facility would try to take advantage of people.

For more information about Healthcare Price Transparency, click here. By uploading your photo or video, you agree to our story submission terms.