How to visit a hospital in China: registration, consultation, payment and pharmacy

A guide on the Shanghai government English site, updated 26 May 2026, says that after arriving at the hospital, the patient should first register (guahao) at the admission desk and pay an admission fee.

Before the visit

The Shanghai guide says most hospitals have appointment booking services, through the hotline or online platforms.

The Shanghai guide says patients who want to see an experienced doctor are suggested to arrive at the hospital earlier to wait in line.

A handbook on the Shanghai government English site, dated 17 November 2025 and sourced from the China Scholarship Council, says that for online registration, you can book in advance via the hospital's official WeChat account, app, or through medical health services on Alipay and WeChat.

Registration

The Shanghai guide says materials needed for registration include the patient's passport and maybe a piece of paper with the name of the specific department.

The handbook says hospitals generally require real-name registration.

The handbook says that for on-site registration, you go to the registration office in the outpatient hall.

A student's guide on the Shanghai government English site, dated 29 October 2024, says that upon arrival, you consult the service desk to confirm your department and proceed to the registration desk to pay.

The Shanghai guide says the patient will get a hospital card (binglika) if he or she has not been to the clinic before.

The Shanghai guide says the hospital card is needed during future visits.

The handbook says first-time patients will need to obtain a hospital treatment card and a medical record booklet, and that both are required for follow-up consultations.

The student's guide says that for first-time visits, you may need to purchase a medical record booklet and a magnetic card, although some hospitals now use electronic medical cards available through WeChat.

Triage and consultation

The handbook says to go to the nursing station in the relevant department for triage.

The handbook says to wait for your number to be called, either on screen or via announcements.

The Shanghai guide says the patient will enter a consultation room to see the doctor when his or her number is called.

The Shanghai guide says the doctor will do a few checks with instruments after inquiring the patient on his or her illness.

The handbook says that if there is a language barrier, you may bring a Chinese-speaking friend or write down key information, including symptoms and allergies, in Chinese.

Payment, tests and the pharmacy

The handbook says that after diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe tests or medication.

The handbook says payment is required before receiving these services, which can be made at the cashier or via self-service payment machines.

The Shanghai guide says that after the doctor gives a prescription (chufang), the patient needs to pay the fee and then can get the medicine from the hospital pharmacy (yaofang).

The Shanghai guide says the patient shows the chemist the prescription and will be given what he or she needs.

The Shanghai guide says a hospital's pharmacy is usually located at the lobby of the out-patient building.

The handbook says medication can be purchased at pharmacies outside the hospital, but prescription drugs can only be bought with a doctor's prescription.

The Shanghai guide says the patient could go to the section where the examinations are carried out with a receipt after paying for the examination.

The Shanghai guide says that if the examination results come out quickly, the patient can consult the original doctor without waiting in line.

The Shanghai guide says that if the results come out another day, the patient has to register again.

Hospital stays

The Shanghai guide says that if hospitalization and/or surgery is required, the doctor will check when a bed and surgery are available.

The Shanghai guide says the patients then need to pay all the potential costs.

Departments inside a hospital

The student's guide says public hospitals in China have general, special needs, and international departments.

The student's guide says general departments usually operate in Chinese, so consider bringing a Chinese-speaking friend if necessary.

The student's guide says special needs and international departments offer bilingual services though often at a higher cost.

The student's guide says Level 1 hospitals, such as community health service centers, offer basic medical services like vaccinations and wound care.

A City News Service article on the Shanghai government English site, dated 19 August 2025, says that if it's your first time at a public hospital, or you need guidance, a patient service desk located in the hospital lobby is available for assistance.

Emergencies

The handbook says that in any medical emergency, you should dial 120 immediately.

The Beijing Municipal Government English medical guide for foreigners says there are "120" emergency medical centers across Chinese mainland.

The Beijing guide says almost all hospitals are equipped with emergency departments, which can provide emergency medical treatment for patients.

Questions people ask

What does the Shanghai guide say a patient needs for registration?

The Shanghai guide says materials needed for registration include the patient's passport and maybe a piece of paper with the name of the specific department.

How does the handbook say numbers are called?

The handbook says to wait for your number to be called, either on screen or via announcements.

Where does the Shanghai guide say the pharmacy usually is?

The Shanghai guide says a hospital's pharmacy is usually located at the lobby of the out-patient building.

Sources

Each source above was read on the date shown. This page is an unofficial summary of general administrative information. It is not published by the bodies named above, and it is not medical advice. If it differs from the official pages, the official pages prevail, and figures and services may change after the check date.