[CaliDannyBoy]

Medical Attention in CP

Off topic from cheonging in CP but... if something happens and you need medical attention, I think this will be a post people will look for... Anyhow...

I developed an infection on my 3rd day here and my insurance company back in the USA had no freaking idea how to consult me for overseas medical attention. Through asking no less than 10 people about where to go, etc... I decided to go to Changping Hospital, which is supposedly the biggest hospital here in CP. For those who can't read/write Chinese, it can be quite stressful. Thank goodness I can speak fluently.

When you get there, you will need to register a card. This card, for those from overseas, does not report to medical information bureaus (like the USA MIB). Thus, if you're concerned about reporting and its impact on future healthcare issues, I think its safe to assume it's ok.

Once you get the card, you will be looking for the department you should go to. On the first floor left side is the ER (where I went). First floor right side is the pharmacy, where you will later get medicine. China has a pay first then get treated system... so if you're expecting to get a bill me later through insurance, it won't work here.

I got the card, went to the ER, doctor there diagnosed me, put in a treatment plan into his computer. Then I went to the payment office on the first floor, paid for my diagnosis plan/treatment plan, then did the diagnostic tests. Waited an hour to 2, got my results back, went back to said doctor who then put in the prescription on his computer... Took my card back to the payment office, paid for my meds, then took receipt to pharmacy on first floor for my meds.

All and in all, not totally tough but be prepared for people cutting in front of you and most oddly for me, the shots are administered via IV and not needle.

Anyhow, hope this helps whoever is ever in a medical emergency in Changping.

Oh, total cost for diagnosis for me was around ~130-150rmb and meds around ~140-150. Pretty darn cheap compared to medical costs in the USA.