Wait times — US vs China
Verified, from Episode 3 research. The honest summary: in the US the wait is getting in; in China the wait is the written report.
United States
| See a doctor | 31 days |
| Prior authorization | 1–14 days |
| Order to scan | 18.5 days (one large US system) |
| Report read | 97% interpreted the same day |
| Written report | 1–3 days |
Order-to-scan 18.5 days is from one large US system. Report read: 97% interpreted the same day; the real delay is the follow-up appointment.
China
| See a doctor | Same day |
| Scan booked | 1–5 days at top public hospitals |
| Scan itself | CT 10–15 min / MRI 20–45 min |
| Images | Often the same day |
| Written report | 2–3 working days |
Routine MRI at top public hospitals: scan in 1–5 days, not walk-in within the hour — a doctor must order it first. Images often the same day; the written report takes 2–3 working days.
Travel caveat: a China S2 visa takes about 5–10 days. Factor that into any trip plan.
Last checked Nov 6, 2026. Sources and method: Transparency.