Medical Process

Seeing a Doctor in China: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registration, triage, payment and follow-up — how the Chinese hospital visit actually works for a first-time foreign patient.

Updated 2026-10-15

Registration (挂号)

Most hospitals use app-based or kiosk registration. The international department (国际医疗部) offers English support and shorter queues. Walk-in registration at a window is still possible at many hospitals.

Triage and consultation

After registration you are directed to the relevant department. Bring prior records and imaging if any. A bilingual companion helps bridge terminology gaps during the consultation.

Payment and pharmacy

Payment is often split into registration, consultation, tests and pharmacy steps. Prescriptions are filled at the hospital pharmacy; some chronic meds can be refilled via partnered clinics.

FAQ

Do Chinese hospitals speak English?International departments do. General wards have limited English; a companion or translation app is recommended.
Can I choose my specialist?In the international department, yes — you can request a senior physician by specialty. Public queues are assigned by department.
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