Patient guide

Medical Records for Treatment in China: Imaging and Pathology

The goal is not to translate every page at once. It is to help the hospital understand the condition, timeline, and questions that need answers.

Author
Huayitong Content Team
Process review
Huayitong International Patient Services Team
Review scope
Records, appointments, service boundaries, and fee process
Last updated

Guide

A patient's records may come from several providers and languages. Organizing them by date and type is easier to review than sending disconnected screenshots.

Do not repeat tests solely to complete a file. Submit what you have. Ask the hospital which imaging, pathology, or lab results need updates.

01

Start with a one-page case summary

Include the diagnosis date, symptoms, key findings, treatment history, medicines, allergies, and your goal. Oncology cases should also list pathology, stage, genomic tests, and treatment dates.

02

Separate reports, imaging, and pathology

Keep complete, legible report originals. Provide readable DICOM imaging with its report when possible. For pathology, state where the report, slides, blocks, or digital files are held. Use the date, test type, and body area in each file name.

  • Separate originals and translations
  • Pair imaging with its report
  • Name files by date and type

03

Decide what needs translation

Start with the case summary and decision-critical reports. Do not translate every old file automatically. Follow any hospital request for a format or certified translation and keep every original document.

FAQ

What records should I prepare for a remote consultation?

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.

I only have the pathology report, not the slides. Can I still inquire?

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.

Can I use imaging from last year, or will I need new scans?

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.

Which documents should I take home after treatment in China?

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.

Information sources