Atlanta Artist Travels to Shenzhen for Lower-Cost Gallbladder Surgery

Isaias, a 26-year-old artist and designer living in Atlanta, traveled to China for the first time after learning that a medical procedure he needed was not covered by his insurance. Although he also hoped to visit several Chinese cities, CNN reported that reducing the cost of his care was the main reason for the trip.

During a routine checkup in December, a doctor found an abnormal growth on Isaias's gallbladder. The growth was noncancerous, but his doctor advised him to have it surgically removed within a year. Isaias told CNN that the procedure would have cost him close to $10,000 out of pocket in Atlanta.

His father investigated treatment options in the United Kingdom and China. The prices they found in the United Kingdom were similar to the U.S. cost, while a medical-travel agency connected them with a facility in Shenzhen that quoted less than $2,000 for the same procedure. Isaias said he had initially hoped to stay close to home, but the size of the price difference led the family to pursue the Shenzhen option.

The agency helped Isaias apply for a 90-day tourist visa and arrange a one-way flight for March. After he arrived, a local representative helped him set up the phone apps he needed for daily life in China. Isaias said that his surgery and initial recovery took about 48 hours.

After spending a few more days in Shenzhen, Isaias traveled to Chongqing. He kept the remainder of his trip flexible, with possible visits to Shanghai and Hong Kong. CNN's report did not identify the treating facility, provide an itemized final bill, or include longer-term medical follow-up, so the figures and recovery timeline reflect Isaias's account at the time of publication.