Can Hong Kong convince private hospitals to be clear and upfront with fees?
Health authorities begin consulting on proposals aimed at improving transparency in private hospital bills
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common operations performed in Hong Kong, with a long waiting time at public hospitals that drives many to pay more for private treatment.
But a patient hoping to compare prices at the city’s 14 private hospitals will find it hard to get a clear idea of how much the procedure may cost.
Only half the hospitals provide information online for knee replacement surgery packages, with prices ranging from HK$88,000 (US$11,200) to about HK$330,000 for one knee.
One made clear that doctors’ fees were not included, meaning the final bill could be considerably higher.
The Post called six other private hospitals, posing as a patient’s family member, but could not get a clear indication of what they charged.
Staff at four hospitals said the patient would need a medical consultation first. The other two gave only rough estimates of between HK$180,000 and HK$300,000.
“We do not provide such pricing information. You have to ask your doctor,” a staff member at one hospital said. “Each doctor charges differently.”