Post-Treatment Follow-up & Remote Consultation

1. Before You Leave the Hospital

The period right before discharge is critical — this is when you receive instructions, medications, and next steps. Do not rush this process.

Before leaving, confirm you have received:

• Discharge summary in English: A complete written summary of your procedure, diagnosis, hospital course, and final condition
• Medication list: Names, dosages, purposes, and duration for every medication prescribed
• Follow-up schedule: Clear instructions on when to do follow-up tests, imaging, or appointments
• Doctor's contact information: Email or WeChat of your treating physician for urgent questions
• Medical records copy: Request a full copy of your medical records, including imaging on disc if relevant

2. Remote Follow-up Consultations

Many Chinese hospitals with international programs now offer remote follow-up consultations — video calls with your treating physician after you've returned home. This is valuable for:

• Reviewing test results that become available after discharge
• Adjusting medications based on recovery progress
• Discussing pathology reports from surgeries that take time to finalize
• Getting a second opinion on your local doctor's recommendations

To arrange a remote consultation, contact the hospital's international department before discharge. Most can arrange a video consultation within 1-2 weeks of your return.

3. Sharing Records With Your Local Doctor

If you have a local physician in your home country who will manage your ongoing care, you will need to share your Chinese medical records with them. Prepare:

• English discharge summary
• Copies of all imaging (CT, MRI, X-rays) — request these on disc before leaving the hospital
• Pathology reports if biopsies or resections were performed
• Medication list with generic (not brand) names

Your Chinese hospital should provide all of these. If they only provide Chinese-language records, ask your coordinator to arrange a translation — or use a certified medical translator.

4. Managing Recovery Abroad

If you will be recovering in China for a period after treatment before returning home:

• Hotel near hospital: Many patients stay in nearby hotels during the recovery period. Ask your coordinator for recommendations.
• Follow-up appointments: Schedule these before discharge — do not assume you can just walk in later
• Local support: If you don't have a companion, arrange a patient coordinator who can assist with hospital visits, medication pick-ups, and emergency contacts