What were your expectations regarding medical treatment in Germany?

My expectations regarding medical treatment in Germany were to be treated by physicians who are specialists in their field of expertise. I also wanted to benefit from the innovative surgical techniques and the new medical products and I came to Germany mainly because of the excellent physiotherapy opportunities.

Did the medical treatment meet your expectation?

Yes, and I even dare to say that they have been exceeded. In particular, the offers of physiotherapy facilities were greater than I expected. In addition, the post-surgery services and care were very good. The standard of hygiene is extremely high in Germany and I was astonished by the rigorous manner in which the entire staff adhered to the requirements.

What do you consider to be the advantages of receiving medical treatment in Germany? In your opinion, what are the positive aspects concerning medical treatment in Germany?

Firstly, one of the advantages of receiving medical treatment in Germany is that you can be counseled and operated by internationally renowned specialists. Secondly, excellent care is provided after surgery, thus complications can be minimized, the treatment involves less painful procedures and, as a result, a shorter treatment period is required, ultimately leading to lower expenditures.

Was there anything that you did not like? Where do you see room for improvement?

What I personally did not appreciate was the impression conveyed to me that only those receive the best treatment in Germany who are willing to pay the most. In addition, the hospitals and treatment centers do not really address my cultural background in terms of food and/or religion. Apart from this, Germany does not have enough experts specialized in war wounds.

What are the differences between your home country and Germany in terms of treatment?

Physiotherapy options are very limited in my country. Although such possibilities do exist, these are very limited and are usually for older patients or stroke victims. In addition, aftercare is rarely provided following a surgery, patients are sent home immediately after the operation and are treated only with antibiotics, the result of which is that over time they develop a resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Moreover, the hygiene rules in our country are very casual and, as a result, treatments are followed by life-threatening side effects and complications, which could have been avoided if hygiene rules had been complied with.

Would you come again to Germany to receive medical treatment? Would you recommend it?

I would recommend medical treatment in Germany, like physiotherapy, to persons who have sufficient financial means. Personally I would return to Germany, especially Cologne, to get medical treatment.

What did you particularly like about this region (Cologne)? Would you again choose this region to receive medical treatment?

By comparing the testimonials of my friends who were in Berlin with my own experiences, I would definitely recommend this region. As opposed to Berlin, the hospitals in Cologne are not overrun with foreign patients, thus the needs of each foreign patient are taken care of and the patient will not have the impression of being treated as one of many. Moreover, this region is highly attractive, many physiotherapy centers are located out in the open and the combination of nature and therapy helps the achievement of a faster treatment success. Due to the close proximity of other large cities, this region offers many entertainment and excursion possibilities as well.

Autor: Dr. Heven Midani-Özkan

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