As China's visa-free entry policy does not include visits for medical purposes, many foreigners choose to get medical treatment within the duration of their visa-free stay for tourism, business or other officially valid purposes.

　　Currently, travelers from 55 countries can take advantage of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy at 65 different entry ports.

　　Zhang Jinshan, a researcher at Beijing Union University's Tourism Planning and Development Research Institute, said that compared with some Western countries, China's medical system provides more efficient and affordable care for common conditions.

　　Guo Xiaojuan, the gastroenterologist who treated Amie at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, said that most of her foreign patients are currently based in China.

　　"The level of efficiency that Amie experienced is standard practice in our department. In fact, her case wasn't the fastest, because she chose a painless gastroscopy and needed to wait for pathology results," Guo said. "The weekend scheduling was to accommodate her personal travel plans. We offer endoscopy services on weekends to serve working people who cannot visit the hospital on weekdays."

　　Lin Siyong, head of the hospital's medical affairs management department, credited smooth interdepartmental coordination and digital tools for the high efficiency level.

　　"When a gastroenterologist orders a procedure, the lab quickly runs blood tests, the cardiology department performs an electrocardiogram, and anesthesiology handles preoperative assessment. The whole process is seamlessly integrated," Lin said.

　　The hospital also provides artificial intelligence-powered patient services, which are available around the clock to assist with triage, pre-consultation, queue management and real-time insurance settlement, further enhancing patient experience, he added.

　　Growing capabilities