Frequently asked questions about medical care in China

First check the requirements of your local Chinese embassy or visa center. You do not need to wait until all hospital documents are ready. A qualified physician must first assess your case. They must confirm that the required care can be completed within 15–30 days. You may then choose visa-free entry or a tourist visa. If treatment requires a longer stay, you will need an S2 visa.

Hospitals usually review your medical records and confirm acceptance before determining available supporting documents. We can explain what the hospital requires. The embassy or visa center decides the visa category, approval, and processing time.

Prepare your identification documents, medical records, and itinerary according to the hospital's requirements.

Bring your original passport and appointment confirmation (provisional acceptance letter). Also bring original medical records, previous imaging studies, and your current medication list. Keep medications in their original packaging whenever possible, together with their prescriptions. Check airline and entry requirements before departure. Confirm the hospital campus, registration location, payment methods, interpretation, accommodation, and transportation.

First confirm when reports will be ready, their formats, and how to collect them.

When electronic copies are available, we can help collect or forward them as agreed. Hospitals generally provide original reports in Chinese only. We can arrange a separate translation. Imaging files may be provided on a CD or through a QR code. They may also be available through a download link. Confirm the available method separately.

Most hospitals and specialists can arrange remote follow-up. Confirm the schedule, platform, and method before leaving China.

We can help organize reports, imaging files, prescriptions, and medication instructions from this visit. We can also ask the hospital which follow-up methods are available. Contact a local medical provider for additional tests or urgent care after returning home.

We can first estimate a schedule based on your available time and circumstances.

Tell us your age, previous abnormalities, main concerns, and available dates. Preparation, scheduling, and reporting times vary by test. We will first check appointment availability. A doctor will decide which tests are needed based on your situation. We can coordinate the corresponding test schedule with the hospital.

No. More tests do not necessarily make a better health checkup.

A doctor will identify priorities based on age, symptoms, family history, and previous tests. The doctor will also consider relevant disease risks. Before adding PET-CT, MRI, or endoscopy, confirm the purpose and potential risks. Also consider whether the results would change the next steps. Some tests are invasive. Others may pose risks to certain patients. Therefore, more tests do not necessarily make a better health checkup.

It depends on the hospital and the specific test. English versions are generally not provided by default.

Some hospitals can provide documents directly in English. Others issue original reports only in Chinese and require separate translation. Before booking, confirm the report language and expected turnaround time. Also confirm whether the English document is an original, translation, or summary. We can arrange professional medical translation for your existing records into Chinese. We can also translate Chinese treatment records and test reports into English. This helps the relevant doctors quickly understand your condition and recommend a suitable care plan.

Yes. We can first contact the relevant department based on the abnormal results. A specialist can provide a medical opinion and recommend next steps.

We can organize your reports and communicate with the relevant hospital department. We can help book a specialist and coordinate tests, admission, and surgery. A specialist will decide whether repeat testing, additional tests, or treatment are needed. If your stay is short, allow time for report review and possible referral.

Yes. Send us your existing medical records, test reports, recent imaging studies, and treatment records. Include pathology or genetic test results if available.

We will organize the documents according to the hospital's requirements. We will also confirm how to submit them. The hospital may identify missing documents and advise whether remote assessment is possible. It may also advise whether you should travel for in-person treatment. You can then decide whether to travel. Do not book nonrefundable flights or accommodation before receiving a clear response.

Yes. You can start with the available pathology report and other records.

Tell us where the pathology slides, paraffin blocks, or digital pathology files are currently stored. The hospital may request them if the diagnosis requires review. We will explain the next steps based on the hospital's response.

Yes, you can request a consultation. Do not stop or change your medications while awaiting a response.

Provide all relevant medical records and test reports. State your current regimen, timing of your most recent dose, treatment response, and side effects. Your current doctor and consulting doctor should jointly assess any treatment changes.

No. Submitting records does not mean the hospital has confirmed admission or treatment dates.

The hospital must consider the doctor's assessment, test results, bed availability, and internal procedures. Do not book nonrefundable flights or accommodation until the hospital provides explicit confirmation.

Medical records and imaging can indicate a general direction. They cannot determine the surgical plan in advance.

Prepare recent X-rays, CT or MRI scans, previous treatments, mobility limitations, and underlying conditions. The hospital can first explain what additional information is needed. An in-person assessment and additional preoperative tests are usually still required. They determine whether surgery is needed, the approach, and whether admission is possible.

You can submit older imaging first because it helps doctors understand changes over time. Recent tests are needed to assess your current condition and confirm a treatment plan.

Whether you need repeat testing depends on symptom changes, image quality, and the clinical question. Do not repeat tests on your own. First ask the hospital about the required body area, views, and time frame.

Your stay cannot be calculated from the surgery date alone.

Allow time for preoperative tests, hospital admission, surgery, postoperative rehabilitation, follow-up, and safe travel. The doctor will consider the surgical approach, underlying conditions, and recovery. Keep your travel schedule flexible.

Before discharge, prepare all documents needed for rehabilitation after you return home.

Confirm the surgical record, discharge summary, medications, wound care, and activity restrictions. Also confirm the follow-up schedule and rehabilitation plan. We can help organize documents already issued by the hospital. A local rehabilitation professional should adjust exercise intensity based on your recovery.

They can sometimes be combined, but do not do so on your own.

Tell the doctor your complete diagnosis, medications, treatment schedule, and allergy history. The treating doctor will decide whether acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, or rehabilitation is appropriate. The doctor will also explain what to avoid.

Usually not. The complete course and treatments cannot be set before your first consultation.

The doctor must consider your symptoms, medical history, current medications, in-person findings, and treatment response. The doctor will then choose acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na massage, or other treatments. You can reserve enough time in advance. The specific treatments and number of sessions depend on the doctor's in-person assessment.

First check airline rules and the destination country's or region's entry regulations.

Permission to carry or ship the medicine depends on its ingredients, quantity, and packaging. The hospital's treatment certificate and your medical needs must also be considered. Do not purchase large quantities before confirming the rules. Keep the prescription, medication list, and original packaging.

A short stay can include an assessment and some treatment. However, results cannot be guaranteed in advance.

The doctor will first assess whether you need other tests or treatment. The doctor will explain a reasonable observation period and precautions after returning home. They will also advise whether local follow-up is needed. Traditional Chinese medicine often aims to address symptoms and their underlying causes. It focuses on symptom relief and broader treatment of the condition's root cause. This comprehensive approach usually requires consistent, long-term treatment for better results.

We can help submit an appointment request. We cannot guarantee availability before the hospital confirms it.

Tell us the hospital or doctor's name and your main concern. We will check whether medical record review is required first. We will also check the doctor's schedule and current appointment availability. If unavailable, we will explain why and discuss other dates. We can also discuss suitable departments or alternative hospitals.

Usually, because many hospitals require real-name registration.

The hospital may require your passport name, passport number, and other details. Requirements vary by hospital and booking method. Before submitting them, confirm how the information will be used. Your appointment details must match the identification you bring to the hospital.

Yes. Tell us your diagnosis, main symptoms, and what you hope to address.

Also describe any previous treatment. We will use this information to ask the hospital which department is appropriate. The hospital decides which department will see you. It also decides whether multidisciplinary care, transfer, or additional tests are needed.

Chinese health authority policies guide international patients toward international medical departments. There is no single answer. Consider your condition, target specialty, language needs, waiting arrangements, and budget.

International medical departments may offer easier communication. However, their services and fee structures usually differ. Before booking, compare the actual care options at your target hospital. Do not choose based only on the department's name.

In general, a video consultation may be possible. It depends on the hospital, doctor, and condition.

The hospital may review your records before deciding whether video consultation is appropriate. Some conditions still require testing at the hospital. For emergencies or rapidly worsening conditions, do not wait for remote arrangements. Contact a local medical provider immediately.

Prepare your existing diagnostic summary, recent reports, imaging studies, and previous treatment records.

Include pathology materials if available. List your current medications, allergies, and questions for the doctor. Requirements vary by specialty. We will first check what is missing and explain how to submit everything.

Usually not. A remote consultation primarily provides a second medical opinion from a Chinese doctor. It is not the same as receiving a formal prescription. You can share this opinion with a local medical institution or doctor. A local doctor can assess your circumstances and decide whether to prescribe medication.

Tell us before the consultation if you want a prescription from a Chinese doctor. Eligibility depends on hospital rules and your country or region. It also depends on remote-care requirements and whether necessary tests are complete. The treating doctor and hospital make the final decision.

Do not wait for a remote consultation if you develop chest pain or difficulty breathing. The same applies to altered consciousness, severe bleeding, sudden one-sided weakness, or rapid deterioration.

Contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Huayitong does not provide emergency assessment or emergency medical services.

Yes. Language support can be arranged in advance if you do not speak Chinese.

Tell us your language, destination city, appointment type, and number of accompanying people. We will identify where interpretation or accompaniment is needed during your hospital visit. This may include registration, consultation, tests, payment, medication collection, or admission. Before service begins, we will document the scope, duration, and fees. Additional needs, including document translation or overnight support, will be confirmed separately. We can provide both medical interpretation and everyday language interpretation.

It may include hospital registration, consultation interpretation, test and payment explanations, and medication collection. It may also include communicating medical instructions and informed consent.

The service will follow the scope confirmed before it begins. Document translation, overnight inpatient support, and multi-day standby are separate services. They require separate confirmation and are not included by default.

Yes. However, arrange accommodation and transportation after the medical appointment is mostly confirmed.

We will consider the hospital location, group size, mobility needs, and dates. Hotels, vehicles, and tickets are provided by third parties. Their prices, payees, and cancellation terms are separate from medical service fees.

Before leaving, confirm that all reports, imaging files, and follow-up arrangements are complete.

Depending on your treatment, check the discharge summary, pathology, medication list, and treatment records. Also check surgical records, follow-up dates, and contact information. Ask about original English documents in advance. If unavailable, keep the Chinese originals and arrange translation as needed.

No. These three types of charges are explained separately.

Hospital registration, testing, admission, and treatment charges are paid according to hospital requirements. Huayitong fees are based on services agreed by both parties. These may include medical-record organization, appointment coordination, interpretation, or accompaniment. Hotel, vehicle, and other third-party costs are itemized separately. Before service begins, we identify each payee, included service, and cancellation policy. Hospital charges may change with the doctor's plan and length of stay.

Usually, the final treatment cost cannot be confirmed before you travel to China. Only known charges or reference ranges can be provided.

Final medical costs depend on disease stage, treatment response, the doctor's plan, and test results. They also depend on medications, medical supplies, and length of stay. Cost information should state the currency, date, and included items. It should also identify costs that still require hospital confirmation.

Accepted payment methods vary by hospital. Confirm them before departure.

Hospitals may accept RMB cash, bank cards, or mobile payments. Ask which cards are accepted, whether a deposit is required, and when payment is due. Prepare a backup payment method.

Not always. Both the insurer and hospital must support direct billing.

Without direct billing, you may need to pay first. Then submit invoices, itemized charges, and medical records according to the insurer's requirements. Confirm the arrangement separately with the insurer and hospital before booking.