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🇺🇸 From United States · Hepatology · Infectious disease

Hepatitis B treatment in China for United States patients

End-to-end pathway: visa, flight, hospital match, cost and length of stay — tailored for patients travelling from United States for hepatitis b care.

← Full Hepatitis B guide

Pathway at a glance

Visa
M-Visa (Medical / Business 商务签证)
Processing
5–10 business days standard · 2–3 days expedited
Flight
13–16 hours direct (LAX/SFO/ORD/JFK)
Time zone
12–16 hours ahead
Language
English-speaking International Departments at all top hospitals

About hepatitis b

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects approximately 296 million people globally per WHO estimates and remains one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Modern nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy — entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) — suppresses HBV DNA to undetectable in over 95% of treatment-naive patients, dramatically reducing long-term liver and cancer risk.

The barrier outside Class A Chinese care is rarely the medicine itself. It is the price. China has the most economical access to modern HBV antiviral therapy globally, with structured hepatology infrastructure to support both initial workup and long-term monitoring.

Why United States patients travel to China

US patients typically come for: stem cell and regenerative medicine (unavailable / restricted at home), CAR-T cellular immunotherapy (one-third the US price), proton therapy, orthopedic surgery, and high-end executive physicals.

Recommended cities for United States patients

Beijing (PUMC International) and Shanghai (Ruijin VIP, SUFH) have the strongest English-speaking infrastructure for US patients. Shenzhen (HKU-SZ, Shenzhen United Family) for stem cell, dental and English-first care.

Diagnostic workup at Class A centres

  • HBsAg + anti-HBs + anti-HBc (initial 3-marker panel)
  • If HBsAg positive: HBeAg + anti-HBe, HBV DNA quantitation
  • ALT, AST, GGT, complete metabolic panel, alpha-fetoprotein (HCC screening)
  • Abdominal ultrasound + FibroScan transient elastography for fibrosis staging
  • Hepatology consultation with structured treatment plan

Workup cost band: $200–$340 USD.

Treatment options

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF / Vemlidy)

first-line

Modern oral antiviral with excellent bone and renal safety profile. China price: USD 15–30/month vs USD 1,400–1,800/month US.

Learn more →

Tenofovir disoproxil (TDF, generic)

first-line

Long-established first-line option. Generic available widely. China price: USD 5–15/month.

Learn more →

Entecavir (generic)

first-line

Alternative first-line nucleoside analogue. China price: USD 8–20/month.

Pegylated interferon alfa-2a

selected cases

Finite 48-week course; appropriate for selected HBeAg-positive patients with elevated ALT and low HBV DNA. Higher rate of HBsAg loss but more side effects than oral antivirals.

Liver transplant

advanced disease

Indicated for decompensated cirrhosis or HCC within criteria. Tianjin First Center, Renji, and major Beijing centres run high-volume programmes.

Learn more →

Visa pathway for United States patients

Fingerprinting required (in person, since 2019). 10-year multi-entry M-visa is standard for medical patients, valuable for follow-up trips.

  1. 1

    Receive invitation letter

    Panda Touring Care sends you the hospital invitation letter and appointment confirmation within 3–5 business days of confirming your case.

  2. 2

    Complete visa form online

    Fill the COVA online application at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Print the completed form and confirmation page. Allow 30–45 minutes.

  3. 3

    Book CVASC appointment

    Schedule biometric appointment at your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (NYC, DC, Chicago, SF, LA, Houston). Walk-in availability varies.

  4. 4

    Submit application in person

    Bring all documents + passport + photo. Fingerprinting takes 5–10 minutes. Pay fees in cash or card. Receive collection slip with pickup date.

  5. 5

    Collect visa

    Pick up passport with M-visa 5–10 business days later (or 2–3 days expedited). Most CVASCs allow proxy pickup with authorisation letter.

Full United States → China visa guide →

Frequently asked

Do United States patients need a visa for hepatitis b treatment in China?
Yes — United States citizens require M-Visa for medical treatment in China. Processing: 5–10 business days standard · 2–3 days expedited. Fee: $185 application + $5 visa book. Validity: Up to 10 years multi-entry (most common).
How long is the flight from United States to China?
13–16 hours direct (LAX/SFO/ORD/JFK)
Which Chinese cities are best for United States patients seeking hepatitis b care?
Beijing (PUMC International) and Shanghai (Ruijin VIP, SUFH) have the strongest English-speaking infrastructure for US patients. Shenzhen (HKU-SZ, Shenzhen United Family) for stem cell, dental and English-first care.
What's the diagnostic workup for hepatitis b at Class A international departments?
HBsAg + anti-HBs + anti-HBc (initial 3-marker panel); If HBsAg positive: HBeAg + anti-HBe, HBV DNA quantitation; ALT, AST, GGT, complete metabolic panel, alpha-fetoprotein (HCC screening); Abdominal ultrasound + FibroScan transient elastography for fibrosis staging; Hepatology consultation with structured treatment plan.

Plan your hepatitis b treatment from United States

We arrange visa support, hospital match, written quote and door-to-door logistics from United States. No obligation.

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