Sheesh, that does seem like a ripoff. When I took Remus in for his first shots and stuff, he had a complete blood test, a fecal test and all his shots for about $80. Then again my vet is a kitty specialist, so they tend to be a bit cheaper when it comes to cats than most places around here. Remus' nuter was only $25, but thats because I took him to the humane society discounted nuter clinic.
I'd be a little POed about some vet trying to sell me stuff without even examining my pet. My vet examines the pet and then discusses with you the cats overall health and what further steps need to be taken, if any. Both vets that work where I go are realy good about not spending any more money than is neccicary, and they don't allow the vet techs to explain anything technical or to sell things at all.