For international patients, the decision to seek treatment in Germany is often just the beginning. Many questions follow: Where should you send your medical records? Which specialist is right for your condition? How is your case assessed, and how long does it take to arrange treatment?

Once you click “Send”, your case is carefully reviewed by the inquires team at International Medical Services (IMS).

Every day, we receive requests from patients around the world, together with medical reports, examination results, CT and MRI scans, and other relevant documents. Sometimes, there are just a few files. In other cases, a patient may have years of medical records from different hospitals, often in several languages.

At first glance, this may seem like administrative work. In practice, however, it requires an in-depth understanding of the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, with its more than 40 specialized clinics and departments. Our role goes far beyond simply receiving documents. We carefully review each patient’s medical history and ensure that the case is referred to the appropriate specialists. 

What is already known about the patient’s condition? What diagnosis has been made? What treatment has the patient received so far? And, most importantly, which specialist or department is best placed to assess the case?

In straightforward cases, the appropriate department may be obvious. But some patients have several medical conditions, a long and complex treatment history, or require the expertise of specialists from different fields. This is where the role our team becomes particularly important. We coordinate communication between the relevant departments and ensure that important details of the patient’s medical history are taken into account.

A thorough review at this early stage helps ensure that the patient is connected with the appropriate specialists and that the next steps in their treatment are clear and well coordinated.

How Treatment Costs Are Calculated: Accurate, Reliable and Transparent

One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How much will my treatment cost?”

Our preliminary cost estimates are based on 25 years of experience, daily clinical practice, and an archive of tens of thousands of cases involving patients from around the world.  When reviewing a new case, our team compares the patient’s medical situation with similar cases from our experience and consults physicians in the relevant departments to take the individual circumstances and expected scope of treatment or surgery into account. For additional accuracy, the estimated costs are reviewed together with the controlling department.

This means that every preliminary cost estimate is based on real clinical experience, actual cases, and an assessment of the patient's individual medical situation.

Why Is Complete Medical Information So Important?

The more complete the medical information we receive, the more accurately we can assess your situation and estimate the expected costs of treatment. This is particularly important when preparing for surgery. A clear understanding of your medical history, current condition, and the anticipated scope of the procedure helps us provide a more precise preliminary cost estimate.

For this reason, it is important to provide all available medical reports, imaging, and other documents related to your condition. If important medical information is missing, the preliminary cost estimate may be less precise.

The preliminary cost estimate may also include a contingency reserve to cover potential risks or unexpected developments during treatment. This does not mean that these additional costs will necessarily arise. If the treatment proceeds without complications and the reserve is not needed, the unused amount is refunded to the patient.

Even More Precise — After an Online Consultation

A more precise preliminary assessment of your condition can often be made during a teleconsultation with a specialist before you travel to Freiburg. An online consultation gives you the opportunity to speak with your physician in advance and discuss your individual situation directly. In some cases, it can also help clarify whether a visit to the clinic is necessary at all. If surgery is recommended, you can travel to Freiburg with a clearer understanding of your treatment plan, the expected procedure, and what to expect during your stay.

And Then — Organizing Your Trip

For international patients, medical and financial considerations are only part of the process. There may also be practical matters to arrange, such as obtaining a visa, finding accommodation, organizing transportation to the clinic, and arranging interpretation services.

At this stage, your personal manager will step in to help organize the practical aspects of your stay and will continue to support you throughout your time at the clinic.

If you are considering an examination, an online consultation, or treatment at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, taking the first step is simple:

Send us your request and your medical documents.

Make an inquiry online
Tel.: +49 761 270 21310
E-mail: info-international@uniklinik-freiburg.de