[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.