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.”