> But is this typical practice in the US? No

Your experience is different from mine. Ordering unnecessary tests is typical practice in my experience. And doctors are quick to reject tests done at another hospital, as if tests done at another hospital are untrustworthy.

Any time a US hospital has expensive equipment, doctors working at the hospital are under pressure to keep it running. You can find any number of articles on this topic if you're willing to spend a few minutes googling.