[ryankrage77]

I think this could be useful as a starting point for diagnostics - a cheaper, lower-power device massively lowers the barrier to entry to getting an MRI scan, even if it's not fully reliable. If it does find something, that's evidence a higher-quality scan is worth the resources. In short, use the worse device to take a quick look, if it finds anything, then take a closer look. If it doesn't find anything, carry on with the normal procedure.

[mnau]

Is cost of machines really barrier? I can get MRI for $400-$500 as a self payer (Eastern Europe, i.e. if i just wanted it, not that doctor would say he wants it).

I read a paper few years ago about utilization rate, machine/service cost, how many machines per citizen/hospital... They were running day and night. Cursory glance at other countries also reveal sensible prices.

Unless it gets to a point of ultra sound machine(i.e. machine in a the consulting room a doctor can use in 10 minutes), I don't think it will decrease price much.