NPR ran an interesting story in November 2009 on price disparities in our health care system.
When it comes to our health care system, the basic economic rules do not apply. Prices for identical goods and services are usually the same or very close at competing businesses. That's not the case when it comes to health care — not by a long shot. In Pensacola, Florida there are huge price disparities for MRI tests. It's not a matter of greed or poor decision-making by MRI providers or a lack of consumer awareness. For better or worse, it's the way our insurance-based health care system works. Read the full story.