Step 2 · Book an Appointment
How to register for a doctor in China: booking channels, the right department, and how to get your slot.
“挂号 (guà hào)” — getting a doctor’s appointment — is the step that trips up most international patients, because China’s booking systems are built around WeChat mini-programs and Chinese phone numbers. Here’s how to navigate it.
The two booking paths
Path A — Book through the International Department (easiest for foreigners)
Top hospitals run an International Medical Department that handles bookings for foreign patients, often in English.
- Email or call the international desk (contact details are on each hospital page).
- State your condition, preferred specialist/department, and preferred dates.
- They confirm the slot and usually handle the in-hospital logistics too.
Path B — Book directly via the hospital app / mini-program
For simpler cases or lower cost, you can book through the hospital’s own app or WeChat mini-program.
- Get a Chinese phone number (SIM or eSIM) — required for registration.
- Install the app and register with your passport (foreign ID is accepted, though facial recognition can occasionally fail for foreign faces).
- Pick the department and time slot, then pay the registration fee.
Understanding the registration levels
| Level | What it is | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 普通号 (general) | Standard outpatient consult | Routine first visits, follow-ups |
| 专家号 (expert) | Senior specialist consult | Complex cases, diagnosis, surgery planning |
| International dept. | English-service consult | Foreign patients who want language support |
Practical checklist
- 1Get a Chinese phone number — a SIM or eSIM, active before you book.
- 2Set up WeChat & Alipay and link a foreign Visa/Mastercard for payments.
- 3Identify the department — the right specialty for your symptom (use our specialty pages if unsure).
- 4Book — via the international department (Path A) or app (Path B).
- 5Save your confirmation — the appointment number and time, in writing.
What to bring on the day
- Passport (or ID) + appointment confirmation
- Any prior medical records and imaging (CD/DICOM)
- List of current medications
- A companion or interpreter if you prefer extra help
💡 If the app won’t let you register (a common issue with passport + facial recognition), fall back to Path A — just email or call the international department. It takes longer but it works.
Next: With a slot booked, prepare for the consultation.