Quick Answer: To transfer medical records from China to a US doctor, request an English-language discharge summary, operative notes, implant documentation, and imaging on CD or USB before you leave the hospital. Then email the files or hand-carry them to your US physician with a short cover note. Results vary by hospital, and any follow-up plan should be decided with your doctor.

At a Glance

• Ask for an English discharge summary, operative report, pathology report, implant card, and medication list before you leave the hospital.
• Request imaging in a usable format such as DICOM on CD, USB, or a secure cloud link.
• JCI-accredited hospitals in China often have established processes to produce bilingual records for international patients.
• Carry a printed backup in your hand luggage and store a digital copy in cloud storage you can access from the United States.
• Send your US doctor a short cover email explaining what is attached and what follow-up you need.

What Records to Request Before You Leave China

The most common worry we hear from patients is, "What happens when I get home?" The answer is easier when you leave China with the right documents. Most US follow-up doctors want a clear record of what was done, what implant was used, and what medications were prescribed.

Before discharge, ask the hospital's international patient office for the following in English or with English translation:

• Discharge summary: a one- to two-page overview of your admission, procedure, and condition at discharge.
• Operative report: detailed notes from the surgeon describing what was done during the procedure.
• Pathology report: needed if any tissue was removed or biopsied.
• Implant card or sticker sheet: shows the manufacturer, model, and serial number of any joint, stent, or device placed.
• Imaging: pre-operative and post-operative X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs in DICOM format.
• Medication list and prescription instructions: generic names help your US pharmacist match them.
• Rehabilitation notes: exercises given and any weight-bearing restrictions.

David, 58, from Austin, had spinal surgery in Beijing. "I asked for everything on a USB at checkout," he said. "My neurosurgeon in Texas was able to open the scans the same day and continue my care without starting over."

How to Package and Send Imaging

Imaging is often the most important and the most confusing part. A paper report is useful, but your US doctor usually needs the actual scan files. In China, most radiology departments can export images to CD or USB in DICOM format, which is the standard used by US imaging systems.

If you are given physical discs, make sure they are labeled with your name, the date of the scan, and the body part. When possible, also ask for a download link or cloud transfer so you have a backup if a disc is damaged in transit. Do not check imaging in your luggage; keep it in your carry-on bag.

Some hospitals also offer a patient portal or app where you can view images and download summaries. If the interface is in Chinese only, ask the international office staff to help you create an account and retrieve the files before you leave.

Email Templates You Can Use

A short, well-organized email makes it easier for your US doctor to understand what you are sending. Here is a template you can adapt.

Template 1: Sending records after you return home

Template 2: Requesting records from the hospital before departure

JCI-Accredited Hospitals and Bilingual Records

Many of the Chinese hospitals that treat international patients are accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI). These hospitals typically have international patient offices, English-speaking coordinators, and procedures for producing bilingual medical records. That does not mean every document will be perfect, but it usually means the hospital knows how to format records for doctors outside China.

If your hospital is not JCI-accredited, you may still be able to get English summaries, but you should request them early and confirm the timeline. In some cases, a professional medical translation of key documents may be worth the cost, especially for complex procedures. If you are still comparing destinations, our cost calculator can help you estimate hospital, hotel, and logistics expenses.

How We Help

OrientHealthLink is a medical travel coordination service. We do not diagnose or treat patients, and we do not replace your US doctor. What we do is use a nationwide database of hospitals, doctors, and their specialties to identify teams that are experienced with international patients. Our on-the-ground team visits these hospitals regularly, and we get direct insight from hospital contacts about record-keeping practices and English-language support.

We can help arrange a transfer or admission through the right channel, prepare records so your US doctor can still use them afterward, and provide bilingual support throughout your stay. We give you the evidence and our reasoning. You make the final decision, with your doctor.

How do I know my US doctor will accept records from China?

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FAQ

How do I transfer medical records from China to my US doctor?

Request English-language documents and imaging before you leave the hospital. Carry them home on CD, USB, or cloud storage, then email or hand them to your US doctor with a cover note explaining what follow-up you need.

What records should I ask for after surgery in China?

Ask for the discharge summary, operative report, pathology report, implant card, medication list, rehabilitation notes, and all imaging in DICOM format.

Will my US doctor be able to read Chinese imaging files?

If the imaging is provided in DICOM format, most US radiology systems can open it. The written report should be in English for easiest review.

Do hospitals in China provide English medical records?

Many JCI-accredited hospitals and large teaching hospitals that treat international patients can provide English summaries or bilingual records. Smaller facilities may need more time or may require translation.

How should I send the records to my doctor?

Email is usually fine for documents under your provider's attachment limit. For large imaging files, use a cloud link, secure patient portal, or hand-carry a USB or CD to the appointment.

Is the case review really free?

Yes. Our case review is free and without obligation. We review your situation, discuss whether China is a reasonable option for your care, and explain how to prepare for continuity back home.

What if some records are only in Chinese?

Ask the hospital for English translations of the most important documents. For complex reports, a professional medical translator can help, but always confirm the translation with your treating hospital if possible.

Send my X-ray → Free · No obligation · If we think you'd be fine staying local, we'll tell you.

*This article is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. OrientHealthLink is a medical travel coordination service, not a healthcare provider — we help you find and reach the right doctors; we do not diagnose or treat. All medical decisions should be made with qualified, licensed physicians.*