>why the hell can I not know how much stuff costs up front

Prices should be publicized, I agree, but you can ask to get something pre-authorized. It just takes longer.

>why can I not tell them no I dont an unnecessary x-ray

You can ask your doctor why you need an x-ray, why they deem it necessary, and refuse if you like

>and why am I not told cost owed by me until after the procedure only to find out it's just an absurd amount of money

Again, you can ask for pre-auth.