The HK Consumer Council released a research report stating that fee transparency in private healthcare institutions remains inadequate. It recommended that the government explicitly mandate these institutions to provide clear written cost estimates for services before treatment begins.

Gilly Wong Fung-han, Chief Executive at Consumer Council, noted during a radio program that the study found some patients aim to fully utilize their medical insurance coverage, or are persuaded by healthcare providers to opt for additional services.

She expressed concern that this could shore up societal healthcare costs in the long term, forcing insurance companies and consumers to bear higher medical expenses and premiums, creating a vicious cycle.

Wong emphasized that private healthcare institutions should enhance price transparency to give patients greater budget certainty and predictability in charges, preventing "shock bills".