Common Questions
Q1 I'm living in Taiwan with NHI coverage, how do I book my first appointment?
Book directly with Dr. Kong-Han Ser's clinic, that's the right starting point.
In the online booking system you'll see two options: "減重代謝外科" (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) is Dr. Ser's own clinic; "減重代謝手術諮詢門診" (Weight Loss Surgery Consultation) is a coordinator- and dietitian-led session focused on post-operative education, you don't need this one for a first visit.
Booking directly with Dr. Ser means he can order any same-day tests on the spot (bloodwork, ultrasound, and so on) and map out next steps from there. The coordinator session cannot do this.
Fees: Dr. Ser's clinic accepts NHI (and self-pay if you prefer). Most routine tests and procedures are covered under NHI, though some items fall outside coverage. Whether NHI or self-pay works out better for your situation depends on the specifics, the quickest way to figure this out is to call or WhatsApp us first, and our team will walk you through it.
How to book: Phone or WhatsApp is fastest; you can also use Ten Chan Hospital's online booking system. We recommend booking ahead rather than walking in. Dr. Ser occasionally cancels clinic for conferences, and a quick check saves you the trip.
Q1b I'm traveling from overseas, how does booking work for international patients?
Reach out on WhatsApp, LINE, or by phone, a dedicated coordinator will handle everything for you.
International patients don't book through the standard hospital system. Instead, our international care coordinator works with you directly to plan your entire visit: pre-trip video consultation with Dr. Ser, scheduling your surgical evaluation and any pre-operative tests, arranging your stay in Taiwan, and coordinating follow-up care after you return home.
The process typically starts with a WhatsApp conversation so we can understand your situation and give you a realistic picture of timeline and costs before you commit to anything.
For full details on what the international patient journey looks like, see our International Medical Travel page →
Q2 I need to reschedule or cancel, what's the process?
For NHI patients in Taiwan: just call or WhatsApp us, no complicated cancellation process. If something comes up on the day itself, please let us know so we can offer the slot to someone on the waiting list.
If you booked through Ten Chan Hospital's online system, you can also reschedule or cancel directly there.
Q3 What should I bring to my first visit? Do I need to fast?
For NHI patients in Taiwan:
Please bring:
- Your NHI card (required)
- Any relevant medical records or test results, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasound, blood panels, or records from other weight-related treatments
- A list of current medications, including chronic disease drugs, supplements, and any weight loss medications
Fast for 6–8 hours beforehand (water is fine). The first consultation is mainly for Dr. Ser to get a full picture of your situation. If bloodwork is needed on the day, you'll already be ready, no need for a second trip.
No dress code. Everyday clothes are fine. If you're having an InBody body composition scan, avoid heavy outerwear and large metal accessories, though you can remove those on arrival.
Q4 Can I bring a family member into the consultation? Can I record or take notes?
Family members are welcome in the consultation room. Metabolic surgery is a long-term decision, and having someone with you makes it easier to stay on track with diet and lifestyle changes afterward. Given the space, we suggest bringing 1–2 people.
Notes are fine. Most patients want to write things down, go ahead. If you'd like to record, please mention it to Dr. Ser first. It's a simple courtesy, and Dr. Ser will always say yes, just ask before you start.
Q5 Is there somewhere for family to wait?
There's a comfortable waiting area inside the center. If anyone wants coffee or a break, there's a café right by the elevator on the first floor.
Metabolic surgery consultations tend to run long, especially a first visit. If a family member comes along but doesn't need to be present for every part, just let our front desk team know and we'll call them in when needed.
Q6 Is my consultation confidential? Will family know? Where do photos go?
Confidentiality is standard. All consultation records and visit notes are governed by medical privacy regulations and will not be disclosed to any third party, including family members.
NHI records: If you attend under NHI, your visit will be logged in the NHI system, this is how the NHI system works and is outside the center's control. In most cases, spouses and family members cannot access your personal NHI records. If you have specific concerns (for example, preferring no NHI record at all) you can choose to attend as a self-pay patient. This is something to discuss with Dr. Ser during your consultation.
Progress photos and body measurements: We take periodic records (InBody reports, body measurements, progress photos) to track your treatment journey. These are strictly for your personal medical file and will never be used publicly.
If you ever want to share your experience as a patient story on our website, we'll get your written consent first and confirm exactly how you'd like to be represented, text only, photos blurred, or fully identified. Nothing goes up without your explicit agreement.
First time here? Tap for detailed directions
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- Take a taxi to the hospital, about 15–20 minutes
- Take the Airport MRT to A21 Huanbei Station, then walk 15 minutes or YouBike 5 minutes
- Taoyuan Bus / Zhongli Bus Route 1 (most common within Zhongli)
- Zhongxing Bus 2022 (Shilin ↔ Zhongli)
- Kuo-Kuang Bus 1818 (Taipei ↔ Zhongli)
- Fanhang Bus 2003 (Linkou Chang Gung ↔ Zhongli)
Take Zhongshan Freeway (National Highway 1) and exit at Neili Interchange or Zhongli Interchange. Head toward Zhongli city center, about 5 minutes to the hospital from either exit.
Hospital parking garage: The elevator goes directly to the 3rd floor, step out and you're at the center's entrance.
If the hospital garage is full: There's a surface lot 50 meters south of the hospital. Nearby options include the Renhai Temple lot and the Carrefour parking lot.