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How To See a Doctor

The 5-Step Process

This is a step-by-step guide on what to do when you come to a local Chinese hospital. We will outline each process you need to go through to avoid confusion and make things easier.

5 Steps To See a Doctor

Patients who want to see an experienced doctor are suggested to arrive at the hospital earlier to wait in line. Most hospitals have appointment booking services, through the hotline or online platforms.

Step 1: Register
After arriving at the hospital, the patient should first register (guahao) at the admission desk and pay an admission fee. Materials needed for registration include the patient's passport and maybe a piece of paper with the name of the specific department.
Step 2: See the Doctor
The patient will enter a consultation room to see the doctor when his/her number is called. The doctor will do a few checks with instruments after inquiring the patient on his/her illness.
Step 3: Get the medicine and pay fees
After the doctor gives you a prescription (chufang), the patient needs to pay the fee and then can get the medicine from the hospital pharmacy (yaofang). The patient shows the chemist the prescription and will be given what he/she needs.
Step 4: Do further tests and pay fees
Further tests may be prescribed if the doctor thinks the patient has an infection or more serious problems. The patient could go to the section where the examinations are carried out with a receipt after paying for the examination.
Step 5: Hospitalization or surgery
If hospitalization and/or surgery is required, the doctor will check when a bed and surgery are available. Then the patients need to pay all the potential costs.