What to Prepare for Joint Replacement in China

Before You Contact the Hospital

Start with your planning question: whether you want a consultation, a possible operation date or an itemized estimate. Tell the international department your passport nationality, preferred travel window and whether a companion is coming. Ask Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital or another hospital in the joint-replacement overview what its orthopedic team needs to review before it can respond. A published profile does not confirm availability or acceptance.

Medical Records Checklist

Use this as an organizational list, then follow the receiving hospital's instructions:

• Recent orthopedic consultation and diagnosis reports, including which joint and side are being assessed.
• Imaging reports and original image files, preferably in the format the receiving hospital requests, not only phone pictures of films.
• Previous operative or anesthesia reports, if relevant, and details of any existing implant.
• Current medication and allergy list, plus any assessment or laboratory results the hospital asks for.
• A short list of practical questions about access route, costs, implant documentation, rehabilitation and follow-up.

The medical-records checklist explains how to request official copies and ask about imaging formats. You do not need to interpret the records yourself; the receiving clinical team does that.

How Records Reach the Hospital

Do not upload records to Medvoyal's website or send them by email. If Medvoyal helps with a hospital handoff, a coordinator explains written consent, the named recipient and secure transfer through a contracted person; the records are passed unchanged and Medvoyal deletes its copy after handoff. See the records handoff guide for the full process. You can also use the hospital's own approved channel directly.

Documents for Your Trip

Prepare a valid passport, the hospital's appointment or treatment acceptance letter, your entry or visa documents, insurance policy and any pre-authorization, and copies of prescriptions for medicines you carry. Ask the hospital whether it needs translated or certified documents. The S2 visa guide explains the hospital letter and country-specific consular checks. Keep a copy of your accommodation and return-travel arrangements.

What to Bring Home

Before discharge, ask how to obtain the discharge summary, operation and anesthesia records, imaging and reports, prescription list, itemized bill and official receipt. For a joint implant, request the implant card or written details identifying the manufacturer, model, size and lot number. Ask your team for the rehabilitation plan and who should handle follow-up after you return. Documents may have different collection times; confirm any pending results and the hospital's secure delivery method.

Use the records-before-departure checklist and follow-up planning guide. A local clinician should explain medical instructions and any concern after your return; Medvoyal cannot assess symptoms.