Nephrology · 2026
CKD optimization
and dialysis travel in China.
Chronic kidney disease workup, dialysis-as-visitor coordination, vascular access procedures, and conservative management at Class A teaching hospitals. Bilingual program from $850.
$850–1,800
CKD workup
Including renal biopsy where indicated
Partner clinic quotes 2024
$120–280
Per HD session (visitor)
Standard hemodialysis at coordinated centres
Partner clinic quotes 2024
Class A
Top centres
PUMC, Ruijin, China-Japan Friendship
NHC ratings
PD support
+ vascular access
Peritoneal dialysis and AV fistula creation
Standard at top centres
Bilingual
Records package
Renal biopsy + immunofluorescence + bilingual report
Service standard
No transplant
Editorial policy
We do not coordinate organ transplant in mainland China
Compliance
Tiers & pricing
Six tiers, transparent pricing.
CKD diagnostic workup
Renal function, urine ACR, kidney ultrasound, autoimmune panel, biopsy if indicated.
$850–1,800
Renal biopsy
Ultrasound-guided biopsy with light microscopy, IF and EM. Bilingual histology report.
$1,200–2,200
Hemodialysis (visitor)
Single-session hemodialysis at certified centres for visitors with active prescription.
$120–280 / session
AV fistula creation
Native AVF preferred; AV graft for inadequate vessels. Maturation 6–12 weeks before use.
$2,200–4,500
Peritoneal dialysis support
Catheter placement, training and supply coordination for visitor or expatriate PD.
$2,500–4,800
Conservative kidney management
MDT optimization for stage 4–5 CKD: nutrition, BP, anaemia, bone-mineral, cardiovascular risk.
$1,500–3,500
Top hospitals
Six centres
open to international patients.
Peking Union Medical College Hospital 北京协和医院 (Nephrology)
Academic nephrology · diagnostic excellence · rare glomerulonephritis program
Ruijin Hospital 瑞金医院 (Nephrology)
Class A teaching · renal pathology reference · CKD MDT
China-Japan Friendship Hospital 中日友好医院
Strong diabetic nephropathy program · TCM cross-referral
Zhongshan Hospital 中山医院 (Nephrology)
Class A · large dialysis service · renal biopsy volume
Beijing & Shanghai United Family 和睦家
JCI · routine HD for visitors · expat-focused English-first care
West China Hospital 华西医院 (Nephrology)
Class A · regional reference · MDT diabetic + autoimmune CKD
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
- Why China for CKD care?
- China runs the world's second-largest CKD patient population (~120M adults estimated). Class A teaching hospitals operate sub-specialised nephrology departments with renal pathology reference labs, MDT diabetic-nephropathy and immunoglomerular disease programs, and integrated TCM co-management for adjunctive use. Standard-of-care follows KDIGO guidelines. We coordinate diagnostic and conservative management — not transplant.
- Can I get hemodialysis while travelling in China?
- Yes — many partner hospitals accept established HD patients as visitors. We need: your most recent dialysis prescription (UF goal, sodium, dialyser type, anticoagulation), hepatitis B/C/HIV status, vascular access details, and a copy of your home renal team's referral letter. Standard rate $120–$280 per session at coordinated international wings; may be higher for HBsAg+ or HCV+ patients due to dedicated isolation chair requirements. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
- Why don't you arrange transplant in mainland China?
- This is a deliberate editorial policy. International scrutiny over organ-sourcing transparency in mainland China remains active; while reforms have been introduced and the Chinese Organ Transplantation Response System (COTRS) coordinates allocation, the international transplant community (TTS, ISN) maintains caveats on cross-border transplant referrals. Until consensus changes, we do not coordinate kidney, liver, heart, lung or bone-marrow transplants in mainland China for international patients. Patients seeking transplant should consult their home transplant centre or established international transplant pathways.
- What about novel CKD therapies?
- Available at top nephrology centres in China: SGLT-2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) for albuminuric CKD per KDIGO 2022; non-steroidal MR antagonists (finerenone) for CKD with type 2 diabetes; tolvaptan for ADPKD with rapid progression; sparsentan for IgA nephropathy (NMPA approved 2024). NMPA-listed prices for these are 30–60% below US prices. Long-term prescription continuity requires home-physician handover.
- Is integrative TCM used in CKD?
- TCM is used adjunctively in CKD at Class A nephrology centres for symptom management — fatigue, sleep, GI symptoms in advanced CKD. Specific TCM kidney protocols (e.g. tripterygium, astragalus formulations) have a published evidence base in IgA nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy but evidence quality is mixed. We position TCM as adjunctive only, with explicit drug-interaction screening against your prescribed medication.
- What about dialysis-related infections and travel safety?
- Confirm with your home dialysis provider that your access is stable before travel; tunnel-cuffed catheter patients should have recent surveillance cultures. Carry a 14-day supply of dialysate (PD) or appropriate documentation (HD). Long-haul flights with HD: schedule dialysis 24–48 hours before departure; on long flights consider compression and hydration. For dialysis-related complication on return travel, present at the nearest renal-equipped ED — not all general EDs can manage dialysis access emergencies.
Related guides
Diabetes Care
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of CKD — start there.
Read the guideRecords Translation
Bilingual translation of renal pathology and lab panels.
Read the guideSecond Opinion
Independent nephrology second opinion from $250.
Read the guideTravel Insurance
Dialysis-while-travelling coverage and complications cover.
Read the guideMedical Companion
Bilingual companions for dialysis-day clinic visits.
Read the guideBest Hospitals
Top 15 hospitals — nephrology programs at Class A centres.
Read the guideNeed a CKD review
or dialysis travel slot?
Send us your nephrology records and dialysis prescription if applicable. We return either a CKD second opinion plus optimization plan, or a dialysis-travel itinerary with confirmed slots at partner centres.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. We do not coordinate organ transplant in mainland China. CKD progression and management are individual clinical decisions made by the treating nephrologist.