Discussion: I have prolonged pain in the upper abdomen, I went to my attending physician for an MRI, and he politely refused me, claiming there was no need.

MRI imaging is a costly test relative to alternatives (CT or ultrasound). Doctors try to keep the MRI test for several conditions that are considered more urgent, including cancer patients, fear of cancerous tumors, complex surgeries, and life-threatening situations. It inevitably means that many patients, including IBD patients, are refused an MRI even if they have comprehensive health insurance. Some countries produce a deliberate shortage of MRI equipment to avoid the high financial outlay.