Doctors typically use clinical examinations and the following tests to diagnose and determine the type, size, and location of kidney stones:
Click here to learn more about diagnostic methods of kidney stones and fees.
Doctors will determine the appropriate treatment method based on the type and cause of the kidney stones. If the kidney stones are small, they can often be passed naturally by drinking plenty of water (around 2.5 to 3 liters per day) and engaging in appropriate physical activity.
However, if the kidney stones are larger and cause infection, urinary obstruction, or kidney damage, the doctor may first use antibiotics to treat the infection and prescribe medications to help dissolve the stones. If the stones cannot be passed naturally, surgical intervention may be necessary.
There are four main surgical methods for removing kidney stones:
The table below provides reference prices for surgeries:
| Private Hospital | ESWL | URS |
| Hong Kong Baptist Hospital | $12,470 (unilateral) / $16,350 (bilateral) | |
| Union Hospital | $10,500 (unilateral) | Not provided |
| Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan | $17,750 (unilateral, including recovery room and nursing fees) | Not provided |
| Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong | $38,100 (all-inclusive fixed-price medical package*) |
(all-inclusive fixed-price medical package*) |
| Public Hospital Private Clinic | HK19,350 – 30,450 | Not provided |
At the beginning of 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the entire public hospital system, leaving many elderly individuals waiting for treatment in outdoor areas. Mr. Yeung (pseudonym), a Bowtie customer insured under the Bowtie VHIS – Flex Plan (Standard), suddenly felt a sharp pain in his kidney.
After inquiring about the details with Bowtie’s customer service team, Mr. Yang went to Union Hospital for consultation, arranged by the doctor, and was admitted.
 | Mr. Yeung (alias)： “At that time, my kidney was really painful, and I thought to myself: if I have to go to the emergency department, I would be in excruciating pain even before seeing the doctor!” “The Bowtie customer service team promptly answered my call and provided detailed answers to my questions, including coverage for kidney stones, the coverage limit, which private hospitals are covered, and what claim documents I need to prepare upon discharge.” |
The treatment received by Mr. Yang (alias): As the situation was not severe and the kidney stones were relatively small, the doctor suggested taking prescribed medication and drinking more water to allow the kidney stones to naturally pass out of the body. Afterwards, Mr. Yang was successfully discharged after a few days of hospital observation.
Compensation Rate：91.3%
| Item | Medical Expenses | Compensation Amount |
| Rooms and Meals | HK$2,430 | HK$2,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | HK$10,439 | Full compensation |
| Main Doctor’s Round Fee | HK$3,000 | HK$2,880 |
| Diagnostic Imaging | HK$4,900 | HK$3,430 |
| Outpatient Care Before Admission or After Discharge / Before or After Day Surgery | HK$330 | Full compensation |
| Total | HK$21,099 | HK$19,279 |
The above case is a real case and is for reference only. Actual medical costs will depend on the doctor’s recommendations and decisions based on the patient’s condition.
Before undergoing kidney stone removal surgery, it is necessary to fast for 6 to 8 hours. In the days following the surgery, it is common to have urine with traces of blood. Deep breathing and coughing exercises are recommended to prevent chest infections. The incision will naturally heal within a week.
During the recovery period, it is important to drink plenty of water (around 3 to 4 liters per day) and maintain a balanced diet. It is advisable to consume high-fiber foods and avoid excessive consumption of sweets, salty foods, fatty foods, and excessive meat.
If there is excessive bleeding, shock, severe pain, fever, redness or swelling around the incision, inflammation, or foul-smelling discharge, it is important to seek immediate medical attention for professional assistance.
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