Private hospitals may have to provide price estimates of services to patients and disclose data on past fees and charges under government proposals aimed at increasing the sector's transparency.

The Health Bureau is also looking to make it mandatory for private healthcare facilities – hospitals, day procedure centres and clinics – to release price information in a format specified by the authorities.

In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the bureau said unclear pricing would only "put further pressure on the public healthcare system" by making people hesitant about resorting to the private sector.

"Fee transparency is crucial for the public in deciding whether to choose private medical services," it said.

"If it is not handled properly, Hong Kong's medical system may fall into a vicious cycle."

Under the administration's proposals, private healthcare facilities would be asked to list out fixed prices in their fee tables, such as HK$300 for each outpatient visit, or provide a price range.

The tables should remind patients that they could ask for a quotation for services that don't have a fixed price and list out the fee discrepancies across different wards with explanations.

Private hospitals would also be required to give price estimates to patients or their family members, with information such as initial diagnoses, treatments required, the expected duration of hospitalisation and other medical charges.

However, the bureau said, private hospitals could be exempted from providing estimates if a patient had to be admitted within 12 hours of making a reservation.

The hospitals, separately, would need to release information about past fees.

Any violations could be subject to a fine but not imprisonment.

On top of proposals regarding the private sector's charges, the authorities also listed out three long-term measures to improve transparency such as consolidating and sharing data.

They also suggested setting standard charges for medical items and introducing clinical guidelines for the healthcare sector.

The government is planning to meet different stakeholders from next month and submit a bill to the legislature next year.