Pre-authorization sounds good, but unfortunately a lot of the time it isn't possible. For example, when I was in the ER they gave me a few choices on how they could do stiches on a big cut... But there is definitely no way I could compare the costs! I just ended up paying a $500 bill a few months later.
Lack of pricing information is ridiculous in the US.
You can’t base a system on the “free market” then prevent consumers from having pricing information.
It certainly wouldn’t fix everything in the US, but it would be a huge help.
To be honest, I’m not sure why hospitals in the US haven’t taken the lead on this. If I had a choice between two hospital of similar quality, but one provided price transparency and maybe even a price guarantee (your procedure will cost $X, guaranteed), I would certainly go to that hospital.
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.