How to arrange follow-up at home after treatment in China

Ask when your records will be ready

Before leaving a hospital in China, make three separate arrangements: which records you can take that day, which require an application after filing is complete, and who will oversee tests and medication after you return home. Completing discharge payment does not mean that the full inpatient record is ready for collection.

The steps below draw on published medical-record copying and imaging-service instructions from Chinese hospitals. Each example applies only to the hospital's stated process. Foreign patients still need to check identification, online verification and delivery arrangements with their treating hospital.

Before discharge, ask the ward which discharge documents are available immediately. Then check with the medical records office or designated hospital counter how to request the full inpatient record. Do not leave both arrangements until the last moment.

Peking University International Hospital's notice dated January 14, 2026 states that an online copying request can be submitted after discharge, but the record must undergo quality checks and scanning before it can be copied, which takes 7–14 working days after discharge. Being able to apply does not mean copies are available that day.[1]

If you will leave before the record is ready, establish who will collect it, whether delivery is available and how to provide the receiving address. The hospital lists an online postal application, but does not specify coverage for international addresses. It therefore cannot be assumed that records can be sent directly abroad.[1]

Keep a short list of the document name, expected availability, counter or channel, and confirmed collector. If pathology or other reports are pending, ask the original department how to obtain the result and when a doctor should explain it. If the timing is uncertain, record that it is still pending.

Check authorization before a relative collects records

• Which patient number is used for the copying request, and does the passport name match the admission record?
• Does the online service accept the patient's document? If verification fails, what official alternative is available?
• Which identification documents, copies and signed forms does a relative need, and must the patient be present?
• Who will check that the records are complete after collection or delivery?

If you return home while a relative stays in China to collect records, check the requirements for an authorized representative before discharge.

For collection in person, Peking University International Hospital lists patient identification, representative identification, proof of the representative's relationship to the patient and an authorization letter. Its online process includes identity-card photographs and facial recognition.[1] These instructions do not establish that a foreign patient can complete the same online process with a passport.

Requirements may differ elsewhere. Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital's notice dated September 8, 2023 also lists valid identification for the patient and representative and an authorization letter signed by the patient.[2] Check the hospital's current requirements rather than relying on another patient's experience.

Test image access and retain original records

After receiving a report, ask radiology or the designated service counter how to obtain the images themselves. Ask the clinician at home whether they need the report, images they can view online or downloadable files. Then confirm the corresponding method with the hospital in China.

Clifford Hospital's cloud-imaging instructions dated January 5, 2024 offer a specific example: patients can view images through the hospital's official WeChat account or a report QR code, and set an expiry period when sharing. Access also involves the telephone number linked to the patient card.[3]

Before leaving, test whether the link opens, the examination date is correct, the sharing period is suitable and the recipient's required files can be obtained. If access requires personal verification, ask how to continue using it after returning home. Saving a QR code on your phone does not establish that the clinician abroad has received the images.

Arrange language requirements separately. Ask which original records the Chinese hospital can provide, then check the scope and format of translation with the receiving institution. Retain the Chinese originals and identify the corresponding file, patient name and examination date on translations. Do not present a self-written medical summary as a diagnosis issued by the hospital. The US CDC recommends obtaining records in English for subsequent healthcare professionals, but this does not mean every hospital in China provides English originals.[4]

Confirm the follow-up channel and receiving clinician

Before discharge, ask the treating team in China to explain the purpose, timing and tests for the next review. Confirm which can be completed where you live, which require a return to the original hospital and who will review the reports.

If you hope to remain in contact with the original team after returning home, ask about the actual arrangements: whether it accepts follow-up for patients abroad after this treatment, which official channel to use, how to submit new tests and when an in-person local assessment is necessary. A public booking service or a doctor's contact details do not replace these answers.

Also contact the institution that will see you at home. Explain the treatment received in China and ask which records to submit in advance and whether a separate appointment is needed. CDC guidance emphasizes discussing follow-up and management of complications beforehand and providing overseas treatment records to subsequent clinicians.[4]

Questions about medication, rehabilitation or changes in your condition require assessment by the responsible doctor. If you suspect a complication, seek care where you are promptly rather than waiting for a reply across time zones.[4]

Turn coordination needs into specific tasks

With authorization, SinoCareHub can help organize reports, images, prescriptions and medication instructions already issued by the hospital, and communicate with the hospital about available follow-up options.[5][6] When asking for help, describe the current obstacle: records are not yet filed, images will not open, translation is needed or the follow-up channel remains unconfirmed.

Before the service starts, confirm which record-organization, translation or hospital-communication tasks and fees are included. Whether records can be provided, when they will be issued, whether a doctor will accept the patient and subsequent treatment arrangements remain for the relevant hospital and healthcare professionals to confirm.[6]

When first describing your needs through the SinoCareHub contact page, you do not need to upload the full medical record. Send documents later through the confirmed channel and within the agreed authorization. For preparation, see the checklist before sending medical records.

Before discharge, list documents already received separately from outstanding tasks, and name a contact for each task. This helps the clinician at home see what is complete and what is missing, and avoids having to work out the collection process again just to find one report.

These pages were checked on 2026-10-29. Published hospital instructions may change. Confirm the required documents, collection timing and channels when arranging the service.