Introduction: Transparency Builds Trust
“I’m flying halfway around the world for surgery — what will the whole process look like? Who picks me up? What about the language barrier? How do I pay? How soon after surgery can I fly home?”
These are entirely valid questions. This article fully explains every step of mymedvia’s surgery fast-track — from first contact to returning home.
1. Overall Timeline
Phase 1: Assessment & Matching (1-3 days)
→ Contact us → Expert assessment → Recommend hospital/surgeon
Phase 2: Confirmation & Preparation (3-7 days)
→ Confirm dates and costs → Visa processing → Book flights
Phase 3: Arrival & Pre-Op (1-3 days)
→ Airport pickup → Check in → Pre-op examinations
Phase 4: Surgery & Hospitalization (1-14 days)
→ Surgery → Inpatient care → Post-op observation
Phase 5: Discharge & Return Home (varies by surgery)
→ Discharge → Short recovery → Fly home
2. Phase 1: Assessment & Matching (Day 1-3)
What You Provide
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis report (recommended surgery from home doctor) | Confirm surgical indication |
| Imaging (X-ray/MRI/CT on CD or digital) | Surgeon evaluates disease severity |
| Medical history (surgeries, allergies, medications) | Anesthesia safety assessment |
| Age, occupation, lifestyle | Surgical plan selection (e.g., joint prosthesis type) |
What We Do
Chinese expert team reviews your records: At least 2 senior specialists in the relevant fieldProposes recommendation: Including 1-3 hospital options, surgeon (with background), rough surgical plan, estimated cost rangeCommunicates with you: Answers questions, adjusts based on your preferences### Cost
This phase is completed through mymedvia Fast-track Medical Access (from $300).
3. Phase 2: Confirmation & Preparation (Day 3-7)
Confirmations
Hospital and surgeon: You choose from the recommended listSurgery date: Day-precise schedulingCost breakdown: Surgery fee, anesthesia, prosthesis/materials, hospitalization, medicationsExpected hospital stay: Varies by surgery (see table)Recommended total stay before flying home| Surgery Type | Hospital Stay | Recommended Total Stay | | --- | --- | --- | | Hip/Knee Replacement | 7-10 days | 14-21 days | | Cataract | Outpatient or 1 night | 3-5 days | | Hernia Repair | 1-2 days | 5-7 days | | Cholecystectomy | 1-2 days | 5-7 days | | Hysterectomy | 3-5 days | 10-14 days | | Spinal Surgery | 5-10 days | 14-21 days | | Tonsillectomy | 1 day | 5-7 days |
Visa Processing
China offers 30-day visa-free entry or 144-hour transit visa-free for 75+ countries — sufficient for most surgeriesFor longer stays (e.g., CAR-T at 5-7 weeks), we assist with special medical visa (M visa)Required: passport (6+ months validity), hospital invitation letter (we obtain), round-trip flight booking### Booking
We assist with flights and accommodation (hotel or serviced apartment near hospital)Rehabilitation hotels with meal plans availableFamily companion: adjacent rooms or family suites---
4. Phase 3: Arrival & Pre-Op (1-3 days after arrival)
Day 1: Airport Pickup & Check-in
Private car pickup at airportDirect to pre-booked hotel near the hospitalInterpreter escort throughout### Day 2: Pre-Op Examinations
| Exam | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Full physical | Cardiopulmonary assessment for anesthesia safety |
| Blood tests | CBC, coagulation, liver/kidney function |
| ECG, chest X-ray | Baseline cardiac/pulmonary evaluation |
| Imaging review | Repeat X-ray/MRI/CT if needed to confirm surgical plan |
| Anesthesiologist consult | Risk assessment, anesthesia method discussion |
Pre-Op Preparation
Detailed discussion of surgical plan, risks, and expected outcomes (in English or with interpreter)Sign surgical consentBegin pre-op preparation as needed (bowel prep, pre-medication)---
5. Phase 4: Surgery & Hospitalization
Surgery Day
Interpreter accompanies you to pre-op areaAnesthesiologist confirms anesthesia planSurgery (duration varies: cataract 10-20 min, joint replacement 1-2 hours, spine 2-4 hours)Post-op recovery room observation### During Hospitalization
Ward: International department private or semi-private room with ensuite bathroom, TV, Wi-FiDaily rounds: Attending surgeon and team visit dailyPhysiotherapy/Rehab: Joint replacement starts Day 1 post-op rehab guidanceDiet: Customized to your dietary preferences and recovery needsInterpreter: 24/7 phone access (Full Concierge service)### Payment
Estimated cost paid upon admissionAccepts Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/international wire transferSettled at discharge, with refund of any overpayment---
6. Phase 5: Discharge & Return Home
Discharge Criteria
Vital signs stablePain controlled (oral medication)Basic self-care (eating, toileting)No signs of infection or serious complicationsDoctor confirms discharge### Post-Discharge (Before Flying Home)
| Surgery Type | Recommended Post-Discharge Stay |
|---|---|
| Major orthopedic | 7-10 more days in hotel, daily check-up or rehab |
| Minor/moderate surgery | 2-3 more days, wound check |
| Cataract | Next-day follow-up, then fly home |
Return Preparations
Discharge summary and surgical record (bilingual)Post-op rehabilitation guide (English)As needed: medications to take home (sufficient quantity), compression stockings/bracesFollow-up plan: when to see your home doctor (e.g., suture removal at 2 weeks, X-ray at 6 weeks)### Post-Return Support
Online follow-up: video calls at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months post-opContact us anytime with questionsIf a return trip is needed for follow-up or second surgery, we’ll arrange it---
7. Cost Overview
Tier 1: Fast-track Medical Access
$300+
Hospital recommendation, specialist matching, surgery date confirmation, process guidance
Tier 2: Full Medical Concierge
$1,000+
Tier 1 + visa assistance, airport pickup, full interpreter/escort, inpatient coordination, post-op rehab, accommodation booking
Surgery Costs (paid directly to hospital)
Varies by surgery type:
Hip Replacement: ~$8,000Knee Replacement: ~$6,800Cataract (both eyes): ~$2,500Hernia Repair: ~$3,000Cholecystectomy: ~$4,000---
8. FAQs
Q: What if I’m not satisfied with the recommended surgeon?
A: We provide 1-3 hospital options. If you have concerns about a recommended surgeon, we can explain their background or offer alternatives.
Q: What if complications arise after surgery?
A: You undergo rigorous evaluation before discharge to ensure safety. We’ll assist with extended stays and further treatment locally. If transfer to your home hospital is needed, we’ll help compile all medical records.
Q: Can family members stay at the hospital?
A: Yes. International department private rooms typically have a fold-out bed or sofa for family.
Q: What about food? I don’t eat Chinese food.
A: International department wards offer Western meal options. Special dietary needs (halal, vegetarian) — please inform us in advance.
Contact mymedvia through our website. Tell us what surgery you need. We’ll start your surgery fast-track within 24 hours.
--- ### Related Articles Explore [Best Surgeries for Fast-Track & Top Hospitals Guide (2026 for International Patients)](https://mymedvia.com/surgery-fast-track-china/best-surgeries-for-fast-track-top-hospitals-guide-2026-for-international-patients/), [Skip Surgery Waiting Times: NHS, Canada vs China Fast-Track (2026 Multi-Specialty)](https://mymedvia.com/surgery-fast-track-china/skip-surgery-waiting-times-nhs-canada-vs-china-fast-track-2026-multi-specialty/), [Surgery Cost Comparison 2026: UK Private vs US vs China (Multi-Specialty Complete Data)](https://mymedvia.com/surgery-fast-track-china/surgery-cost-comparison-2026-uk-private-vs-us-vs-china-multi-specialty-complete-data/), and [Skip Surgery Wait Times: Why China’s Fast-Track Surgery? (2026 Complete Guide)](https://mymedvia.com/surgery-fast-track-china/skip-surgery-wait-times-why-chinas-fast-track-surgery-2026-complete-guide/). mymedvia — Every step, from first contact to discharge, we’re with you.