FAQ / Things you need to know
Please find below the most frequently asked questions which might also provide some answers to you.
The typical questions in the FAQs are based on our experience and are intended to provide initial answers. However, each patient should ask their own questions. We are continuously revising the FAQ catalog to make as many points as possible transparent during the evaluation process.
FAQs
We need your Patient Data Sheet, which you can download on this website (cervical or lumbar).
For spinal surgeries, we need x-rays in four views (AP, lateral, flexion, extension) and an MRI (both not older than 6 months).
For hip, knee or shoulder surgeries, we need x-rays (not older than 6 months).
You can send us your images via mail or email (images in Dicom format). Please contact your ICM for instructions how to export the images from discs.
We do not direct bill insurance companies. However, many patients have been successful in seeking reimbursement from their insurance companies. Upon request, we will be happy to assist you as much as we can in this process by providing you with appropriate documentation to submit to your insurance.
An MRSA test is a simple nasal swab that checks for Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. Without a negative test result, we cannot admit you into our hospital.
Please bring comfortable yet sturdy slippers you can wear in the hospital. You should also keep in mind, that you will need a converter for electrical equipment.
Our taxi will pick you up and bring you to your hotel.
Due to hygienic and insurance reasons, this is not possible. We can organize transportation and accommodation in one of our partner hotels nearby the hospital.
Depending on the surgery and your personal well-being, you should plan on staying for at least two weeks.
Depending on your individual case and our surgeons diagnosis, we also offer this. The majority of patients travel back home without in-patient rehabilitation.
We will remain in communication with you and provide follow up documentation to assist your local doctor in regards to medication and therapies. If you have any questions after your surgery, we are always just a phone call or an email away.
Thinks you need to know
Drinking alcohol is not permitted in the hospital. Please let us know if you would like to have a glass of wine or beer with your meal in the hotel after surgery. This is usually not a problem, but must be approved by your doctor.
Please inform us at least 14 days before surgery if you are taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications. Our anesthesiologist needs to know this for the medication plan.
All of our patient rooms have a separate bathroom with a toilet, sink, hairdryer and shower. Towels are provided by the hospital.
If you need any brochures for excursions in Bremen or the surrounding area, please let us know.
We have an on-site cafeteria where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Your family members can also enjoy meals here. Please note that payment is only possible in cash and in euros.
There’s a ward round every morning. It consists of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We always have a doctor on call, who’s also available at night. You can also ask for a doctor at any time during the day.
If you rent a car during your stay in Germany, please let your companion drive. Driving under the influence of narcotics is prohibited in Germany and will be punished. Please also always observe the speed limit.
Your room in the hospital is equipped with a television, safe, desk, seating areas and refrigerator. Please bring your own headphones.
Before you fly home, we’ll conduct a final checkup at the hospital. Here, we’ll take one last x-ray, one last blood test, check your wound, and give you your records. You’ll receive a CD with all the x-rays we took in the hospital, an implant passport, and information for your recovery. We will send you the surgical report, the discharge summary and the final invoice by email approximately 2 weeks after the final check.
Your international patient advisor is Svenja Rohrmoser. She will help you with all organizational matters, order a taxi, and book hotels. If you need anything, just let her know.
There is no laundry service available at the hospital. You are welcome to use the laundry service in the hotels or a nearby laundromat. Please contact us if you have any questions.
For you as a patient, all meals and standard beverages in the hospital are included. If you would like snacks such as ice cream or cookies, you can purchase them in the cafeteria for an additional charge. Please let us know if you have any allergies.
Please tell us all the medications you are taking at the time of your surgery. Please be honest, because the exact intake of your medications is important for anesthesia and aftercare. During your stay here you will receive all your medication from us, but please bring your own medication with you to Germany; in rare cases we may not have the medication or the formulation may be different, in which case we can still use your own medication. Exact information on medication after the operation will be discussed with the anesthesiologist during your preadmission.
In Germany, you can’t pay with a credit card everywhere. This isn’t always possible, especially in small shops or restaurants. We therefore recommend bringing a small amount of euros with you in advance. You can also withdraw or exchange money at the airport or at a nearby bank.
Please bring comfortable clothing for your stay in hospital. It is important that you start physiotherapy immediately after the operation, so loose clothing such as jogging pants or shorts are good. Slippers or sneakers are also important as you are not allowed to walk barefoot or in socks in the hospital for safety reasons. Bring something for entertainment (laptop, books, games etc.) and remember your charging cable for your cell phone. Please also bring an adapter as Germany has different sockets. You will find a hair dryer in your bathroom, please bring your normal toiletries and razor as well. Otherwise bring everything that makes you feel good: pictures from home, your favorite sweets, your own pillow, everything that makes you feel good is allowed.
During your pre-admission, we will take your blood, perform an ECG, take new x-rays, talk to the anesthesiologist and discuss your surgery with the orthopedic doctor. Dr. Ritter-Lang will perform your operation and you will also have a discussion with him. If you have any questions, you can ask them at any time.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the hospital. We have designated smoking areas outside. Please ask the anesthesiologist how long you can smoke before the operation and when you can start again afterwards.
We have free Wi-Fi in the hospital, which you and your family can use together. You will receive a small chip card for our entertainment system (internet, TV, and phone), for which a €30 deposit is required. You will, of course, get the deposit back when you return the chip card when you leave the hospital.
In general:
We want our patients and their relatives to feel as comfortable as possible with us. Please always speak to our team if you have any questions, fears or problems. No question is too strange or too much. We wish you a pleasant stay.
Start Your Medical Evaluation
Fill out our secure online form and get expert treatment recommendations from top European surgeons — no commitment required.