I remember some show like The Daily Show or something did a report making fun of how much Hospitals charge. It really is a huge scheme between Insurance Companies and the Hospital. Those without Insurance end up at the short end of the stick, as usual. Insurance Companies pay for exorbitant prices for procedures/use and Hospitals pay exorbitant fees for Required Insurance. Then when the Affordable Care Act started getting serious, the issue between Hospitals and Insurance companies has almost disappeared.
Don't forget the not-inconsequential way patents play in it. Always wanting the 1 in 1000, 1 in a million tests; cause, you know, they just KNOW they're that special. These ridiculous tests are usually extra pricy besides (not to mention all the time they cost in wasted staff hours). And besides, insurance covers it, so it's "free".
If the doc doesn't do the test, most patients will find a doc who will do them. And if the patient actually does roll snake-eyes and have some fucked up disease from the ass end of get the fuck out of here; Hello malpractice.
Never mind that the patient lied when asked point blank if he fucks Chilean wild marmots.
And insurance companies don't have a clue what's a stupid test or not; nor do they care. They'll tack on their X% profit onto whatever and be richer for it.
TLDR:
So Patients; through feeling special, not being able to do basic math, and lying to the people trying to help them; drive demand.
Real, got into the business to help people, doctors supply out of fear and wanting love.
Doctors who got into the biz for the paycheck supply out of "fuck it, I'm getting paid by the minute."
and Insurance people are accountants, not doctors simply say "order whatever you want, we'll get paid."
Marmots In Porn photoshoot positions: