Until recently, receiving medical treatment in Germany was an unattainable dream for many. Most patients didn’t even consider this possibility. One question loomed large – “It’s too expensive.” Moreover, very few had a clear understanding of the actual costs of examinations and treatments in Germany’s top medical centers.

On top of financial concerns, organizational issues were equally intimidating. Where to go for consultation? Who will assist with translations? How to obtain a medical visa? How to buy medication from a pharmacy? These logistical questions often deterred patients as much as the fear of high costs.

It was to address these medical and organizational challenges that Clinical Solutions was established over 10 years ago. Our company did not emerge out of nowhere. Four years prior, the president of the Nuremberg Clinic, where I had been working as a surgeon for 11 years, proposed that I create and lead an international department.

You might wonder: why are international patients of interest to German clinics?

Every clinic in Germany is keen to attract international patients because they represent non-budgetary funding beyond the contributions from insurance funds. However, no clinic can allocate resources for marketing, transportation, translators, etc. Where did the funds come from then? My department’s annual marketing expenses ranged between €80,000 and €100,000. These costs covered all advertising campaigns, participation in exhibitions, printed materials, the internet, and even several vehicles dedicated to patient services.

In 2007, we decided to establish our own company. One of the main reasons for this was the realization that patients needed transparent and understandable invoices for every medical and service-related expense.

Over the years, we created a special Patient Care Service within Clinical Solutions.