Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Care in China

No. ChinaMed Waypoint is not a medical provider. We do not diagnose, prescribe, or deliver medical treatment.

Our role is to coordinate access to licensed hospitals, clinics, and practitioners, and to support international patients with communication, planning, and logistics—so you can navigate the healthcare system in China safely and confidently.

Medical resource coordination means helping you identify the most appropriate hospital, specialist, or licensed TCM practitioner for your situation, arranging appointments, supporting communication in English, and coordinating practical details such as scheduling, interpretation, and follow-up.

Our goal is to reduce confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress—especially for visitors and expats unfamiliar with the local system.

We typically support international clients across three core areas:

• Executive health screening & checkups: preventive screening programs with structured scheduling, clear explanations, and English-friendly documentation
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experiences: licensed acupuncture, Tuina, cupping, herbal consultations, and wellness-oriented programs suitable for first-time visitors
• Specialist care coordination: access to appropriate specialists for consultation and treatment planning, including second opinions when helpful

Support commonly includes appointment coordination, English communication support, medical document translation, and post-visit clarification.

Traditional medical tourism agencies often focus on packaged procedures or destinations.

We work differently: our focus is fit, safety, and clarity, not volume. We do not push treatments. We help clients understand options, limitations, and whether China is the right choice at all—before any commitment is made.

Our clients commonly include:

• Expats living in China who need clear English support for local care
• Travelers in China or planning a trip who want preventive screening or TCM experiences without uncertainty
• International clients facing long wait times for specialist access at home and exploring alternatives
• TCM-curious visitors who want an authentic, safe first experience with licensed practitioners

We are not a good fit for anyone seeking the cheapest option, instant guarantees, or "miracle" claims.

No. We work selectively.

We collaborate with licensed institutions and practitioners that meet standards for professionalism, transparency, and experience working with international patients. If a facility does not meet these expectations, we do not recommend it.

English is our primary working language. We built the service around eliminating language barriers.

Depending on the setting, English-speaking clinicians may be available, but not always. Where English is limited, we provide structured communication support so medical decisions are not compromised by misunderstandings. We also help ensure key documents (reports, prescriptions instructions, visit summaries) are clear in English.

Yes—and we do so regularly.

During the consultation process, we may advise against proceeding if your situation is better handled elsewhere, requires emergency care, or does not align with how the local system operates. Honest guidance is part of what clients are actually paying for.

Safety depends on where and how care is accessed.

China has world-class hospitals and highly trained specialists, but navigating the system without local knowledge or language support can be challenging. We help clients access reputable institutions and reduce risks caused by miscommunication, poor coordination, or choosing the wrong facility for the situation.

We look at multiple factors, including licensing status, specialty focus, institutional reputation, experience with international patients, and transparency in communication. We also monitor ongoing client feedback and outcomes to confirm that standards remain consistent over time.

Yes—when properly vetted.

China's training pathways are rigorous, but quality varies by hospital tier and specialty. We prioritize specialists who practice within verified specialties, communicate clearly, avoid exaggerated promises, and have consistent professional track records.

Not always.

Some doctors speak English, especially in international departments, but many do not. That's why interpretation and structured communication are essential—so you understand options, consent forms, instructions, and next steps without guessing.

When practiced by licensed professionals and used appropriately, TCM is generally safe. However, it is not suitable for every condition or every person.

We help clients understand what TCM can and cannot address, recommend practitioners who explain decisions clearly, and avoid clinics that make exaggerated health claims.

We do not benefit from recommending more tests or procedures.

Our coordination emphasizes appropriateness, clarity, and informed decision-making. If something feels unclear or unnecessary, we help address it before you proceed.

Start with a free consultation.

This is exploratory, not a sales call. We focus on your situation, goals, concerns, timeline, and constraints first—then discuss whether we can help and what a reasonable next step would be.

It helps to have:

• Your main goal (medical, preventive screening, or wellness/TCM)
• Constraints (time in China, city, scheduling)
• Relevant medical records or recent reports (if available)

More detailed preferences are usually captured later via a written form for accuracy.

Calls are efficient for understanding goals and risks, but written forms are better for accuracy—especially for details that matter in real coordination (preferences, practical constraints, history, sensitivities).

Forms reduce the chance of misunderstandings and help ensure nothing important is missed.

No. We deliberately avoid pressure-based decision making.

Many clients take time to reflect after the initial consultation, and some decide not to proceed. That is completely acceptable.

We aim for clarity at every stage—what we know, what we do not know, what can be arranged, and what cannot be guaranteed.

Clear expectations are essential for safety and trust, particularly in cross-border settings.

Yes. We welcome partners, family members, or trusted advisors in calls and planning discussions—especially for higher-stakes decisions or longer itineraries.

Many clients can technically book a hospital visit themselves, but common pain points are: uncertainty about the right facility, language barriers, scheduling complexity, and follow-up clarity.

Working with us provides structured selection support, English communication assistance, reduced coordination burden, and continuity after the visit—so you can make decisions calmly and avoid costly detours.

Pricing depends on the scope and complexity of coordination required.

Rather than forcing every client into a fixed package, we tailor support based on needs, duration, and level of bilingual assistance. We explain what is included and what is not before you commit.

No. Transparency is essential in cross-border services.

Known costs related to coordination and support are discussed upfront. If new elements arise, we address them before proceeding.

Yes—at the level of categories and realistic expectations.

We can outline what typically drives overall cost (type of service, facility type, complexity, time required, and logistics). Exact figures vary by clinical decisions and institutional policies, but our goal is to help you decide with informed expectations rather than surprises.

If you plan to seek reimbursement, the safest preparation is to collect:

• Detailed invoices/receipts
• Medical reports and visit summaries
• Test results and imaging reports when available
• Documentation in English (or translated summaries)

We can help coordinate the collection and organization of these materials. Reimbursement decisions are made by third parties, so you should confirm requirements directly with your insurer/administrator.

Payment methods vary by institution and service type.

We help you understand the process in advance and ensure documentation is clear. The key is that you should always know what you are paying for and why, before any payment is made.

Situations change. Depending on how far coordination has progressed, adjustments may be possible.

We discuss changes openly, document decisions clearly, and aim to handle modifications fairly and transparently.

Client confidentiality is taken seriously. We only share information with relevant institutions and professionals as required for coordination, and only with your consent.

If you decide not to proceed, you can request deletion of your information, subject to any minimal retention required for operational or legal reasons (if applicable).

No. We do not coordinate emergency care.

In urgent or life-threatening situations, you should seek immediate local emergency services or go directly to the nearest emergency department.

While we cannot control medical outcomes, we remain involved in coordination and communication.

If something unexpected occurs, we help you understand the situation and next steps in clear English, coordinate follow-up, and organize documentation so you can make informed decisions. When appropriate, we can also help arrange a second opinion.

Yes. Continuity matters.

We assist with follow-up communication, clarification of reports, and coordination of next steps when appropriate—especially important once you return home and need to interpret results clearly.

Yes. We can help organize and translate medical documentation so it can be shared with your local healthcare provider.

This supports continuity of care and improves the quality of discussions after you return.

Some clients return for further screening or wellness visits, while others continue care locally. We remain available to discuss options and help coordinate additional services if needed.

Most clients value clarity, calm guidance, and honest communication in an unfamiliar system. Our role is to reduce uncertainty, help clients ask the right questions, and ensure they never feel alone or rushed when making important healthcare decisions.