Ethical Healthcare | Transparent Billing

• By : VivaVel.com
• 3 Jun, 2025

Why Patients Around the World Are Shocked at Discharge—and How Transparency Can Change That

Recently in Dhaka, a patient went to a well-known private hospital expecting to pay about ৳185,000 for a planned treatment. But when it was time to leave, the final bill had ballooned to nearly ৳300,000. The reason? The hospital claimed the package had changed midway due to “complications” - but the patient and family say no one informed them until the very end.

Sadly, this isn’t rare. In fact, stories like this are becoming all too common - not just in Bangladesh, but around the world.

A Global Problem of Hidden Hospital Charges

In the United States, even after a federal hospital price transparency rule was introduced in 2021, most hospitals are still not following it properly. A 2024 audit showed that only 16.8% of U.S. hospitals fully comply, and nearly half still don’t disclose their standard charges, making it almost impossible for patients to know what they’re paying for.

In Malaysia, patients have reported being billed for gloves at four times their real price and simple procedures racking up unexpectedly high charges, often without a clear explanation.

In Turkey, a shocking case involved newborn deaths, where private hospitals were found to have falsified records and extended ICU stays just to inflate bills and maximize insurance claims.

And in the UAE, new laws were introduced in 2023 to crack down on unethical healthcare practices, improve hospital cost transparency, and protect patient rights.

The story is the same in country after country: Patients arrive for care, and leave with bills they never expected.

Why Does This Happen?

Whether you’re a local patient or traveling abroad for medical tourism, one issue stands out: Lack of clear communication and billing transparency.

Patients often:

• Don’t receive a clear hospital price estimate before treatment

• Aren’t told when their treatment plan changes or costs increase

• Get only a vague, bundled bill at discharge — with little explanation

This leads to financial stress, anger, and in some cases, patients choosing not to continue vital care.

What Ethical Healthcare Looks Like

Ethical healthcare practices mean more than just good doctors. It means keeping patients involved, informed, and respected.

Transparent hospitals:

• Share detailed cost estimates before starting treatment

• Inform patients and families immediately if anything changes

• Provide itemized bills in plain language

• Ensure billing reflects the actual care delivered 

How VivaVel Ensures Transparency for Every Patient

At VivaVel, we don’t just help patients choose a hospital—we become their partner throughout the treatment journey.

When you are flying in from abroad for affordable treatment, we act as your trusted medical facilitator, helping you every step of the way.

Here’s how we assist you:

• We work with hospitals that follow ethical billing practices

• We get you a clear estimate before treatment begins

• We stay connected with the hospital to monitor any changes

• If costs rise, we make sure you're informed in advance and that there's a valid medical reason

• We help you understand the bill and even negotiate charges if needed

Thanks to this hands-on approach, over 90% of VivaVel patients complete their treatment within the estimated cost.

For international patients looking for second opinion services, comparative cost analysis, or safe medical tourism destinations, VivaVel offers full international patient support — from your first inquiry to your final follow-up.

Final Word: No More Surprises

Medical care is stressful enough. Getting well shouldn't mean getting blindsided by hidden costs. Whether you're considering treatment locally or seeking medical tourism options in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, or the UAE, one thing is clear:

Transparency saves lives — and wallets.

At VivaVel, we’re proud to set a new standard. With ethical hospital partners and a full-service patient care team, we ensure healthcare is honest, human, and fair.

Want peace of mind during your medical journey?

Talk to a VivaVel Case Manager today.
We’re here to support you—every step of the way.

References

1. Only 16.8% of U.S. hospitals are fully compliant with price transparency laws
2. 46% of hospitals failed to make their standard charges public
3. Common inflated hospital charges in Malaysia
4. Hospital records were falsified for profit in Turkey
5. A patient in Dhaka faced an unexpected bill increase of over 60%