Circle Health has updated the example fee shown on its website to include the £1,318 cost of anaesthetist and consultant fees after a complaint was made to the advertising regulator.
An advert for inguinal hernia surgery on the Circle Health Group website stated: “The cost of hernia repair surgery starts from around £3,000.”
The individual complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that the ad was misleading as it did not include anaesthetist and consultant fees which were a necessary part of the procedure.
The page featuring the advert has since been updated to include the previously omitted fees which has increased the price by more than £1,300.
“The cost of hernia repair surgery starts from around £4,318,” it states.
There is also a notice that this is a guide price for patients who are paying for their own treatment and the actual cost of treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
The ASA said: “We contacted the advertiser about the complaint, and they agreed to amend the ad to make clear the full cost of this procedure, including fees.
“On that basis, we resolved the case informally.”
Health & Protection contacted Circle Health Group but it did not wish to comment publicly.
