‘复诊’ literally means ‘re-consultation’ — ‘复’ (fù) conveys repetition or returning, and ‘诊’ (zhěn) means ‘diagnosis’ or ‘medical consultation’. Together, they refer specifically to a follow-up medical appointment after an initial visit, usually to assess treatment progress, adjust medication, or monitor a condition. It is commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and health insurance contexts in China.

This term implies continuity of care: the patient has already been seen once, and the doctor expects to review prior findings or test results. It’s formal but everyday vocabulary in healthcare settings — you’ll see it on appointment slips, hospital signage, and electronic health records. Unlike general terms like ‘看病’ (to see a doctor), ‘复诊’ signals a planned, sequential step in clinical management, not a first-time visit or urgent emergency care.