International medical practices vary by country and location. In metropolitan areas of China like Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, there are a variety of choices. In more rural, smaller cities, the options can be limited. When rating Chinese hospitals, it's helpful to consider the following factors:
- type and level of treatment
- types of medicines provided
- quality and age of equipment
- cost of care
- cleanliness
- education of providers
The Chinese System of Rating Chinese Hospitals
According to a kind medical student – with the help of translator, Jason Wang – Chinese hospitals are divided into three classes. Class three is the best and found only in large cities. It is divided into four categories, each category providing specialized treatment in specific areas. Classes one and two are each divided into three categories.
The name of a hospital can be misleading. For example, Luoyang First Hospital, arguably the best hospital in Luoyang, is actually in category one of the second class. There are no hospitals in the top (#3) class in the vicinity of Luoyang, home to nearly six million people.
Asking a local friend which hospital is the best is not always helpful. Many Chinese, including those with university educations, do not understand the classification system. They often select Chinese health care facilities based on a friend's experience or a relative's job. Also, guanxi plays a large part in making decisions, even when it comes to medical issues.
Rating Chinese Hospitals by Veteran Expats
Based on anecdotal information from expat friends and my own personal experiences, there’s another way to categorize Chinese medical care facilities that may be useful. Medical care facilities can be divided into six basic types.
- Private, international hospitals in metropolitan areas cater to expats by attempting to provide Western levels of care and cleanliness. Expect to see medicines from Western pharmaceutical companies and state of the art medical equipment. Expats, especially if they have health insurance, and wealthy Chinese use these facilities. English speakers do not need to take a translator. Fees charged are usually far more than typical Chinese hospitals, but less than the cost of equivalent services from hospitals in the States.
- Provincial hospitals – utilized by upper middle class Chinese, those with more serious health issues and expats who can’t afford the expensive hospitals – offer good care. Medical equipment is often equal to that found in local hospitals in the States. Both Chinese and Western medicines may be prescribed, often with the physician giving the patient a choice. Non-Chinese speakers will need to take a translator even though many signs are in Chinese and English. Expats can expect to find large crowds and long waits.
- City or county hospitals that are defined by their name. A non-Chinese speaking expat living in an average-sized city may not realize that Hospital Number One primarily deals with issues connected to the head or brain, or that Hospital Number Two specializes in the digestive system.
- Small, independent hospitals and clinics which are often sponsored by large companies. This type includes military hospitals although they are not quite the same as company facilities. Employees of the company or military members are treated for free or at greatly reduced costs. They may not be affiliated with any larger organization except the sponsoring corporation, so standards of care – if typically Chinese – may not always meet an expat’s expectations.
- Privately owned specialty hospitals and clinics that specialize in areas such as plastic surgery, orthopedics, reproductive issues, dentistry and cancer. Some facilities are defined by the people who utilize them: women’s, men’s and children’s hospitals. Care, cleanliness and levels of expertise vary considerably.
- Community Medical Clinics dot the neighborhoods of many cities. They provide very low-cost immunizations, first aid for minor injuries, and routine checkups. The facilities tend to be crowded, somewhat dirty and lacking in anything beyond the most basic amenities.
Although the rural community has other options, they are not really viable for expats. Traditional Chinese medicines are used by the poorest and the richest patients. Many traditional medicines can be helpful, especially when used in conjunction with Western medical practices.
Expats can find a variety of levels of medical care in China. Usually costs will be far below those charged in Western countries. Regardless of the type of facility selected, Chinese staff members are usually helpful and friendly. International insurance companies may not cover all types of facilities, so be sure to check the requirements before utilizing a specific hospital or clinic. The best patient is one that is fully-informed. Look for medical information online and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Mistie Shaw - Writing for nearly half a century, Shaw's interests and education meander from music to the military, and from faith to fun.
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