Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our services and processes.
How do I know when my next follow-up should be after discharge?
Do not leave the hospital with only the instruction:
“Follow up regularly.”
For an international patient, it is much more useful to leave with a clear follow-up timeline.
For example:
2 weeks after surgery: wound review and blood tests
6 weeks after surgery: CT
3 months after surgery: doctor follow-up
6 months after surgery: MRI or other imaging
The exact timing depends on the disease and treatment, but you should at least confirm:
- when the first follow-up is due;
- which tests are required;
- which tests can be completed in your home country;
- which tests require a return to China;
- who will review the results;
- who to contact if a result is abnormal.
For long-term treatment, it is better to obtain a staged follow-up plan rather than knowing only the next appointment.
Antu can help convert the doctor’s verbal instructions into a clear follow-up timeline so that the patient does not return home without knowing what happens next.
Can I complete follow-up tests in my home country after returning from China?
In many cases, yes. You do not necessarily need to fly back to China for every blood test or routine scan.
Tests that can often be completed in the patient’s home country include:
- complete blood count;
- liver and kidney function tests;
- tumor markers;
- CT;
- MRI;
- ultrasound;
- other routine follow-up testing.
The important question to clarify in advance is:
What exactly does the Chinese doctor require?
For example:
- should the CT use contrast;
- which body area should the MRI cover;
- are particular MRI sequences required;
- which laboratory markers must be included;
- what is the acceptable testing time window.
Do not simply ask the local hospital to perform a “roughly similar test.”
If the Chinese doctor will need to compare follow-up imaging, try to obtain both:
the formal report + the original DICOM images.
Antu can help organize the Chinese doctor’s follow-up requirements so that the patient can complete the correct tests in the home country.
How can I send follow-up test results to my Chinese doctor after returning home?
Do not simply message the doctor:
“I had my follow-up and everything is normal.”
Provide the actual information needed to assess the patient’s condition.
Depending on the type of follow-up, this may include:
- blood-test reports;
- formal CT/MRI reports;
- original DICOM imaging;
- pathology reports;
- current medication use;
- new symptoms;
- important changes in weight, temperature, or other clinical information.
When sending the records, also state clearly:
the test date + where it was performed + current symptoms + the specific question you want the doctor to answer.
For example:
“This is my 6-week post-operative CT and DICOM study. I have no fever, but I have had right-sided chest pain for two weeks. Does the imaging show normal recovery, and do I need an earlier follow-up?”
This is much more useful than simply uploading several files without context.
Antu can help organize follow-up records, submit them to the original Chinese medical team, and coordinate the doctor’s subsequent feedback.
Can I have a remote follow-up with my Chinese doctor after returning home?
In many cases, a remote follow-up can be coordinated, but availability depends on:
- whether the hospital provides remote services;
- whether the doctor has an appropriate arrangement;
- whether the medical issue is suitable for remote review;
- the hospital’s and local service procedures.
Remote follow-up can be useful for:
- reviewing follow-up results;
- discussing recovery;
- explaining pathology or imaging;
- adjusting the next stage of the plan;
- deciding whether another trip to China is necessary.
However, remote follow-up cannot replace all in-person medical care.
If the patient develops:
- severe chest pain;
- difficulty breathing;
- major bleeding;
- altered consciousness;
- persistent high fever;
- another acute deterioration,
the patient should seek local medical care first rather than waiting for the Chinese doctor to become available online.
Antu can help organize the follow-up records in advance and coordinate remote communication so that the limited consultation time focuses on questions that genuinely require the doctor’s judgment.
If I develop new symptoms after returning home, should I contact my Chinese doctor or a local hospital first?
It depends on how severe the symptoms are.
For non-emergency problems such as:
- mild but persistent discomfort;
- medication side effects;
- slower-than-expected recovery;
- a new but stable symptom;
you can organize the information and contact the Chinese medical team while also consulting a local doctor.
However, if symptoms may be life-threatening or require urgent treatment, such as:
- severe chest pain;
- difficulty breathing;
- major bleeding;
- fainting or altered consciousness;
- sudden weakness of an arm or leg;
- persistent high fever with significant weakness;
- a severe allergic reaction;
you should use local emergency or urgent medical services first.
Do not assume that because the original treatment was performed in China, every later problem must wait for a response from the Chinese doctor.
A practical rule is:
Urgent problems should be treated locally first, and the Chinese medical team can be updated once the patient is stable.
How do I know which symptoms are part of normal recovery and which require medical attention?
This should be explained by the treating doctor before discharge based on the specific treatment, rather than leaving the patient to guess after returning home.
Normal recovery looks very different depending on the treatment.
For example, after surgery, some patients may normally experience:
- a certain level of pain;
- fatigue;
- reduced appetite;
- mild swelling.
At the same time, the doctor should identify warning signs, such as:
- significant wound bleeding;
- marked redness, swelling, or pus from the wound;
- persistent high fever;
- difficulty breathing;
- severe or suddenly worsening pain;
- persistent vomiting;
- changes in consciousness.
Before discharge, ask directly:
“Which symptoms are considered normal?”
“Which symptoms mean I should not wait until the next day for medical help?”
If a local doctor will continue monitoring the patient, this part of the discharge guidance should also be shared with that doctor.
How long should I continue my discharge medications, and can my local doctor adjust them?
Before discharge, clarify the plan for every medication.
At minimum, confirm:
- medication name;
- dose;
- how many times per day;
- when to start;
- how long to continue;
- under what circumstances it should be stopped;
- whether blood tests or other monitoring are required before adjustment.
Some medications may be needed for only a few days, while others may continue for months or long term.
If medication changes are needed after returning home, the local doctor should understand:
- why the Chinese doctor prescribed the medication;
- the current dose;
- the intended duration;
- whether liver function, kidney function, coagulation, or other parameters need monitoring.
The local doctor can make medical decisions based on the patient’s current condition, but for complex treatment or major changes, the updated plan can also be shared with the original Chinese medical team.
The patient should not independently stop medication simply because they “feel better,” or reduce the dose by half without medical advice because of side effects.
What if the exact medication prescribed in China is not available in my home country?
First confirm the medication’s generic name and active ingredient, rather than relying only on the Chinese brand name.
The same medicine may:
- use a different brand;
- come in different packaging;
- have a different commercial name
in another country.
Before discharge, obtain a medication list that includes:
generic name + dose + instructions + treatment purpose.
If the exact product is unavailable in your home country, ask a local doctor or pharmacist to determine:
- whether the same active ingredient is available;
- whether an equivalent substitute exists;
- whether the dose needs adjustment;
- whether a medication from the same class should be used instead.
Do not replace a medication simply because the names look similar.
If a particular medication is genuinely unavailable in the home country, contact the Chinese treating team early to discuss alternatives rather than waiting until the current supply has completely run out.
Can my local hospital manage my surgical wound after I return home?
Usually, yes. Many routine aspects of surgical wound care can be managed locally without requiring the patient to fly back to China.
Before discharge, confirm:
- when the dressing should be changed;
- what type of dressing should be used;
- whether the wound can get wet;
- when sutures or staples should be removed;
- whether a drain is present;
- when the drain may be removed;
- which signs may indicate infection.
If a local doctor will continue the wound care, provide:
- the date of surgery;
- surgical site;
- type of procedure;
- wound-care instructions;
- drain information;
- discharge summary.
If the wound shows significant infection, separation, heavy bleeding, or another abnormal change, the patient should have it examined locally rather than relying only on sending a photograph to the Chinese doctor and waiting for a remote opinion.
How should rehabilitation continue after I return home?
If rehabilitation is required after treatment, it is best to leave China with clear rehabilitation goals and restrictions.
These may include:
- how much weight-bearing is permitted;
- which movements should be avoided;
- when walking can begin;
- whether physical therapy is required;
- whether breathing exercises are needed;
- whether speech or swallowing therapy is required;
- how many rehabilitation sessions are recommended each week;
- which symptoms mean training should stop and medical attention is needed.
For orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and major surgical patients, rehabilitation can be an important part of the overall treatment outcome.
After returning home, a local rehabilitation doctor or physical therapist can continue the program, but they should ideally receive the Chinese team’s:
surgical information + rehabilitation goals + restrictions + staged plan.
If recovery is clearly slower or different from expected, feedback from the local rehabilitation team can be sent back to the Chinese doctor for reassessment.
What if my final pathology report is not ready until after I have left China?
This is not uncommon, which is why the patient should confirm before discharge:
Which results are still pending?
If the final pathology report is not ready, clarify:
- approximately when it will be completed;
- who will follow up;
- how the hospital will provide the result;
- whether another person needs authorization to collect it;
- whether a follow-up consultation with the doctor should be arranged once the result is available.
Most importantly:
Do not receive a pathology report and then try to guess the next step yourself.
The final pathology may affect:
- whether additional treatment is needed;
- which medication should be used;
- whether radiotherapy is required;
- whether further surgery is needed;
- how often follow-up should occur.
Antu can continue following up on pending pathology after the patient returns home and coordinate with the original doctor so that the next stage of care is based on the final result.
If I need to return to China in a few months for the second stage of treatment, when should I start planning?
Do not wait until one week before the planned return to contact the hospital again.
Before the first discharge, clarify:
- approximately when the second stage is expected;
- whether there is a treatment window;
- which tests must be completed before returning;
- which tests can be done in the home country;
- how far in advance the results should be sent to the Chinese doctor;
- whether the second stage is already confirmed or still requires reassessment.
As the second stage approaches, a more practical sequence is:
complete follow-up testing at home → send updated records to the Chinese doctor → confirm that the patient is still suitable for the next stage → confirm hospital dates → arrange travel.
The patient’s condition several months later may not be identical to the condition at the time of first discharge.
If the second stage depends on new imaging, blood results, or recovery status, do not book non-refundable travel solely based on the original discharge plan.
Antu can retain the records and treatment plan from the first stage and reconnect the patient with the hospital before the second stage, reducing the need to start again from zero.
Do I need to see the same Chinese doctor for every follow-up?
Not necessarily.
Some follow-up care can be handled by a local doctor in the patient’s home country, including:
- routine blood tests;
- wound checks;
- basic medication adjustments;
- routine rehabilitation assessment.
The original Chinese doctor may be more important for:
- major treatment decisions;
- key post-operative reviews;
- complex imaging interpretation;
- assessment of recurrence or disease progression;
- deciding whether the next treatment stage should begin.
A practical model is shared follow-up care:
the local doctor manages routine and in-person issues, while the original Chinese medical team handles major treatment decisions and milestone assessments.
This allows the patient to avoid international travel for every minor issue while still maintaining continuity of care.
If both medical teams are involved, medical records, medications, and test results should be kept synchronized so that neither team is working with only part of the information.
What should I do if my local doctor and Chinese doctor give different follow-up recommendations?
Do not simply choose whichever recommendation sounds more reassuring.
First identify exactly where the recommendations differ.
For example, the disagreement may concern:
- timing of the next CT;
- how long a medication should continue;
- whether anticoagulation is still needed;
- whether another operation is necessary.
Then confirm:
Are both doctors working from the same updated information?
For example, the Chinese doctor may not know that the patient’s kidney function worsened after returning home, while the local doctor has adjusted medication because of that change.
That does not necessarily mean one doctor is “wrong.”
A better approach is to send the Chinese treating team:
- the local doctor’s new test results;
- current medications;
- new symptoms;
- the local doctor’s recommendation;
so that both opinions can be considered using the same information.
For major disagreements that could affect patient safety, the case should be reassessed by an appropriate physician rather than leaving the patient to guess between two conflicting plans.
What should I prepare before a remote follow-up consultation?
Do not wait until the video consultation begins to start searching for your medical files.
Prepare in advance:
- the latest test results;
- CT/MRI DICOM imaging;
- current medication list;
- new symptoms;
- important changes in weight, temperature, or other clinical information;
- any new opinion from the local doctor;
- the three to five questions you most want answered.
If anything significant has happened since the previous treatment, such as:
- an emergency visit;
- another hospitalization;
- a new operation;
- a new medication;
- a serious side effect;
that should also be explained in advance.
Questions should be specific. For example:
“My 3-month post-operative CT shows a new 8 mm nodule. Does it require treatment now, or should it be re-scanned in three months?”
rather than:
“Doctor, how am I doing?”
Antu can help organize the records and question list before the remote consultation so that the doctor can spend the available time on medical assessment and decision-making.
How soon after treatment can I safely take a long-haul flight home?
There is no single number of days that applies to every patient.
Whether a long-haul flight is medically appropriate depends on factors such as:
- the treatment performed;
- whether the patient recently underwent surgery;
- whether anemia is present;
- whether oxygen is required;
- risk of blood clots;
- wound condition;
- whether a drain remains in place;
- whether an acute problem could reasonably occur during the flight.
Patients should not assume that:
“I have been discharged”
automatically means:
“I can definitely take a 12-hour flight tomorrow.”
Being medically ready for hospital discharge and being medically fit for long-distance international travel are not always the same decision.
Before buying or confirming the return flight, particularly after major surgery or complex treatment, ask the doctor directly:
“From a medical perspective, when will I be fit to take a long-haul international flight?”
If the return date may change, a flexible or changeable ticket is preferable.
How should long-term blood-test monitoring be arranged after I return home?
It is best to leave the hospital with a written monitoring schedule.
For example, the doctor may recommend:
complete blood count and liver-function tests once a week for the first four weeks, followed by once a month.
Clarify:
- which markers need to be tested;
- how often;
- which results are considered acceptable;
- which results require earlier contact with the doctor;
- whether testing must be completed before the next medication dose.
This is particularly important for patients using:
- cancer medications;
- anticoagulants;
- immunosuppressants;
- medications that may affect liver or kidney function.
The patient can use a consistent local hospital or laboratory where possible and keep dates and units clear so that trends can be compared accurately.
Antu can help organize serial laboratory results chronologically before sending them to the Chinese doctor rather than submitting isolated screenshots one at a time.
If my follow-up results are normal, does that mean I no longer need follow-up care?
Not necessarily.
One normal follow-up usually means only:
no significant abnormality was identified at that particular point in time.
It does not necessarily mean that monitoring is no longer required.
This is especially true for:
- cancer;
- cardiovascular disease;
- organ transplantation;
- chronic disease;
- recovery after major surgery.
Follow-up is often staged over time.
For example:
more frequent review during the first 3 months → every 3–6 months during the first year → longer intervals later depending on risk.
The exact schedule should be determined by the doctor based on the disease, treatment response, and risk of recurrence or complications.
Do not cancel all future follow-up simply because the first CT scan is normal.
If the doctor believes follow-up can become less frequent, ask for a clear new monitoring interval.
If I later change hospitals for follow-up care, will I need to repeat all of my tests?
Not necessarily.
If the records are complete, the new hospital can usually begin by reviewing previous:
- discharge records;
- operative records;
- pathology;
- blood tests;
- CT/MRI reports;
- DICOM imaging;
- medication history.
The new team can then decide which tests genuinely need to be repeated.
Repeat testing may still be necessary when:
- the previous information is too old;
- the original imaging quality is inadequate;
- DICOM files are unavailable;
- the new hospital needs to establish a new baseline;
- the patient’s condition has changed;
- an important result is uncertain.
So the best way to reduce unnecessary repeat testing is not simply to tell the new hospital “do not repeat anything,” but to preserve the original records completely.
Antu can help organize the treatment records from China into a follow-up package so that a hospital in the patient’s home country or another Chinese hospital can take over more smoothly.
What can Antu actually help with after the patient returns home?
Antu’s follow-up role is not to replace medical care in the patient’s home country. The main purpose is to help maintain continuity between the treatment received in China and the patient’s care after returning home.
Depending on the patient’s needs, support may include:
Follow-up schedule management:
- organizing which tests are due and when;
- helping identify which records need to be prepared.
Follow-up record organization:
- blood-test results;
- CT/MRI reports;
- DICOM imaging;
- new symptoms;
- opinions from the local doctor.
Continued review by the Chinese medical team:
- resubmitting updated records to the original treating team;
- coordinating remote follow-up;
- helping organize the doctor’s feedback.
Connecting the next stage of treatment:
- second-stage treatment several months later;
- another hospital admission;
- another specialist review;
- a new treatment plan.
Medical records and documents:
- following up on pathology or medical records that were still incomplete when the patient left China.
Antu’s boundaries remain clear:
- it does not replace local doctors in handling emergencies;
- it does not independently adjust medication;
- it does not guarantee that remote communication can replace in-person medical care;
- it should not advise a patient with emergency symptoms to wait remotely simply because the patient is outside China.
An ideal cross-border follow-up model is:
treatment completed in China → routine follow-up completed in the patient’s home country → important results continue to be reviewed by the original Chinese medical team → return to China when necessary.
This helps prevent the patient’s medical care from becoming disconnected simply because the patient has left China.