Oh, my aching wallet: MRI instead of physical therapy for low back pain leads to $4,793 higher price

This article from the Washington Post describes a recent study on low back pain showing a much higher cost to patients who were first referred for an MRI as compared to first referred to physical therapy. 
I have frequently wrote about the high amount of false positives (insignificant findings) of advanced imaging MRI and CT scans.
This very commonly leads to unnecessary further testing and treatment increasing the costs to the patient. The modern evidence based guidelines do not recommend early advanced imaging except with certain uncommon red flag signs or symptoms. Unfortunately many family doctors and specialists do not follow these guidelines.
Has anyone had any unnecessary testing or treatment for a low back disorder?

Oh, my aching wallet: MRI instead of physical therapy for low back pain leads to $4,793 higher price