Use primary-care referrals or a hospital referral center instead of ticket scalpers
Under China's policy, leading hospitals in closely integrated medical alliances should reserve some appointments and beds for patients referred from primary care. Institutions must establish referral centers or designate a permanent department, with full coverage targeted for 2027. Failure to get a standard appointment does not mean there is no route to care. A scalper's appointment is expensive and may put you in the wrong specialty.
What it takes
No scalper fee. Completing a referral adds an administrative step.
What you may gain
Leading hospitals in closely integrated medical alliances must reserve a proportion of appointments and beds for primary-care institutions and promptly receive referred patients. A medical alliance is a coordinated group of hospitals and community providers, so referrals can use capacity specifically reserved for that route. Institutions must centralize referral management through a referral center or a designated permanent department, with full coverage by 2027.
Context & considerations
Reserved capacity is specifically for referred patients. If ordinary appointments are unavailable, ask about referral. Scalpers add expense and may direct you to an unsuitable department. If you cannot find the referral center, call the hospital's service number.
Research & references
General Office of the State Council (2026). Measures to accelerate development of the tiered diagnosis and treatment system. It requires leading hospitals to reserve appointments and beds for primary-care referrals, receive those patients promptly, and establish referral centers or designate departments by 2027. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202604/content_7065031.htm