Ask for the specific documents you need, rather than a single request for “my English report”. A report, a copy of a medical record, an imaging file and a translation are different items. Confirm what the issuing facility can provide and what the receiving clinician or insurer needs.
This guide is an administrative checklist for visits in mainland China. It does not interpret results or guarantee that a hospital provides English documents.
Make a document list before the visit
| Item to ask about | Questions to record |
|---|---|
| Consultation or discharge summary | Is it available for this visit? Who prepares it, and in which language? |
| Test or investigation report | Which reports are included, and when will each be ready? |
| Imaging files | Are the actual image files available as well as the written report? Which format and delivery method are offered? |
| Medical-record copy | What authorization and identity checks are required, and which parts of the record can be requested? |
| Translation or English version | Is this an original English document or a translated copy? Who issues it and is there a separate charge? |
| Bill and payment documents | Can I receive the itemized charges and the specific documents my insurer requests? |
Start with the requirements of the recipient. For example, ask your insurer which documents it requires for this claim, or ask your next healthcare professional which records would help. Then confirm their availability with the issuing facility. This avoids paying for a translation or delivery format the recipient cannot use.
A published hospital example
Beijing United Family Hospital’s published request process requires a completed, signed release form. The page describes email, fax or in-person submission, states a processing period of ten working days, and lists delivery or collection options. This is the hospital’s published process, not a promise that another facility uses the same method or deadline. Beijing United Family Hospital: patient services and records requests.
Confirm the current process with the records office before submitting a request. The published description does not establish that every requested document will be issued in English. Ask explicitly about the language and the specific documents you need.
Confirm authorization, timing and cost
- Which identity document and signed authorization are required?
- Can the request cover all the visit dates I need?
- If someone else will collect or receive the documents, what authorization must I provide?
- When should each item be available, and is that an estimate or a confirmed date?
- Are there charges for copies, translation, storage media or delivery?
- Which official channel should I use to follow up?
A request you can adapt
Hello. I attended [facility and department] on [date]. I would like to request [document names] for [recipient or purpose]. Please confirm the request form and identification required, available languages and file formats, fees, and expected completion date. I will leave the city on [date]; please also confirm how I can receive the documents afterward.
Send this to the facility through its official contact route. Provide patient identifiers only as that service requires. A public correction form or a general website comment is not the place to send health records.
Before leaving the city
- Check your name, visit date and other identifying details on the documents you have received.
- Confirm the contact and reference for any outstanding request.
- Ask whether a digital link expires or requires an account you will still be able to access.
- Confirm any collection authorization or overseas delivery arrangements.
- Save the originals securely and keep track of which documents you have sent to which recipient.
Ask the issuing team about any errors or missing items. Ask your healthcare professional to explain the medical meaning of the records.
Your next step
Sources and scope
Public information checked on 31 October 2026. This is a guide to administrative arrangements. The checklists are questions to use with the relevant service; published information has not been tested through an appointment.