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Medical Records & Imaging in China

A Complete Guide for International Patients

Outpatient vs. Hospital Records

🏥 Outpatient / Emergency

Records belong more to the patient. Patients typically take relevant documents with them.

🛏️ Hospital Admission

Hospital retains main medical records. Must actively request copies after discharge.

Essential Medical Documents

Outpatient Documents

DocumentChinesePurpose
Outpatient Records门诊病历Consultation notes, assessment, treatment plan
Lab Reports检验报告Blood test, urine test, pathology results
Imaging Reports影像报告Radiologist's written interpretation
Imaging Files影像资料Raw scan files for direct review
Prescription处方Medication and dosage
Cost List费用清单Bill review, insurance support
Official Invoice发票 (fāpiào)Reimbursement, employer/insurance proof

Hospital Admission Documents

DocumentChinesePurpose
Discharge Summary出院小结Core summary of hospital stay
Surgery Records手术记录Surgical team operation details
Pathology Report病理报告Tissue diagnosis results
Medication List at Discharge出院带药清单Post-discharge medication instructions

Pre-Departure Checklist

Outpatient Patients

  • ✅ Keep consultation records and reports together
  • ✅ Keep imaging reports and files together
  • ✅ Save personal digital copies if obtained online
  • ✅ Keep bills and records together for insurance review

Hospitalized Patients

  • ✅ Place discharge summary at front of documents
  • ✅ Keep surgery records, pathology reports together
  • ✅ Keep imaging reports and files together
  • ✅ Confirm all document names match passport
  • ✅ Create digital backup before departure

Four Confirmations Before Leaving

1. Name Match
Each document name must match passport
2. Imaging Complete
Imaging reports and files saved together
3. Discharge Documents
Discharge summary and key records in one place
4. Digital Backup
Create digital backup before return trip