Go to a major hospital via a referral from a local clinic or the hospital’s referral center — don’t turn to scalpers.

Major hospitals must set aside a portion of appointments and beds specifically for patients referred from local clinics. They must also establish a referral center or designate a dedicated department to handle referrals — this requirement will be fully implemented by 2027. Not being able to book a slot online does not mean there is no way in. Scalpers charge exorbitant fees and may even route you to the wrong department.

No direct cost, but an extra referral step is required.

Lead hospitals in tightly integrated medical networks must reserve a specific share of appointments and beds for patients referred from local clinics, and promptly admit them. Such networks consist of multiple hospitals and community health centers working together. In other words, there is a separate pool of appointments and beds reserved for referred patients, separate from the general booking pool. All hospitals must set up referral centers or assign a dedicated department by 2027.

The reserved appointments and beds are specifically meant for referred patients. Failing to book online does not mean there is no way in. Using scalpers is not only costly but may also lead to being assigned to the wrong department. If you cannot locate the referral center, call the hospital’s service line for help.

国务院办公厅 (2026). 关于加快建设分级诊疗体系的若干措施. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202604/content_7065031.htm：「牵头医院要为基层医疗卫生机构预留一定比例的号源和床位，并及时接诊经基层转诊患者。」「医疗机构要强化转诊服务统一管理，设立转诊中心或指定固定部门承担患者转诊服务工作，到2027年实现全覆盖。」