Your first appointment with us

A first appointment at a neurosurgical practice is not a step towards surgery. It is a conversation, at the end of which you will know what is causing your symptoms, which options exist and which of them suits you. A little preparation helps to make this conversation worthwhile.

Do I need a referral?

Patients with statutory health insurance (gesetzlich versichert) can visit a neurosurgical practice directly. A referral (Überweisung) from your GP, orthopaedic surgeon or neurologist is helpful because it gives us your history, but it is not a requirement. Privately insured patients do not need a referral either. If you have one, bring it with you. If not, come anyway.

How to get an appointment

The quickest way is online via Doctolib, where you can see free slots at all three locations and book directly. Or by telephone, during the consultation hours of the location nearest to you. Appointments at all locations are by arrangement.

If you have been advised to have surgery elsewhere and would like a second opinion, please say so when booking. We will then allow more time.

What you should bring

• Your health insurance card.
• Imaging on a storage medium. The scans themselves, not just the written report. MRI or CT scans, X-rays: your radiology practice will give you the CD on request, often also a download link. This is the most important thing.
• The written report for the imaging.
• Doctors’ letters from previous treatment, including physiotherapy or pain therapy.
• Your list of medications, particularly important if you take blood thinners.
• The written recommendation for surgery, if you have received one.

Print list Ticks are not saved.

If any documents are missing, that is no reason to postpone the appointment. We will then tell you what is still needed and where to get it.

How the appointment works

1. We listen. What exactly hurts, since when, what makes it better, what makes it worse? What has already been tried? These details often decide more than the scan does.
2. We examine you. Strength, sensation, reflexes, mobility. Only the combination of examination and imaging produces a reliable assessment.
3. We look at the images together. You see on the screen what the report describes, and which of it fits your symptoms.
4. We discuss the options. Conservative treatment, injections, surgery, or waiting for the time being. With pros and cons, without pressure.
5. You decide. Not during the appointment, if you would rather not. Take the assessment home with you and let it settle.

How long does it take?

Allow enough time for a first consultation with examination. If scans are available, it takes longer, because we go through them together. If there are waiting times, we will let you know at reception.

What you can ask

There are no silly questions, but there are questions worth writing down beforehand, because they slip your mind during the appointment. A few that have proved useful:

• Does the report explain my symptoms, or is it an incidental finding?
• What happens if I do nothing for now?
• What options are there apart from surgery, and what are the arguments for and against?
• How will I know that it is getting worse and that I should get in touch?

If you would like to bring someone with you

Please do. Four ears hear more than two, and anyone processing a diagnosis forgets much of what was said. A trusted person is welcome to join you in the consulting room.