Wiener Privatklinik
| Turkey | Austria | Spain | |
| Stem cell therapy for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) | from $30,000 | from $60,000 | from $40,000 |
| Stem Cell Therapy | from $4,675 | from $8,500 | from $8,500 |
| Plasmapheresis | from $1,200 | from $2,000 | from $1,800 |
Dr. Fritz Leutmezer is a senior neurologist at Vienna General Hospital, one of Europe's largest university hospitals.
The doctor is a highly respected Austrian neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, headaches, and neurodegenerative diseases. With decades of clinical and academic experience, the doctor has significantly contributed to neurology in Austria and internationally.
Graduating from the University of Vienna, the doctor completed a residency at the Medical University of Vienna and Vienna General Hospital. Certified in neurology in 2001, the doctor achieved habilitation in 2002, leading to an Associate Professorship. As a principal investigator in numerous clinical trials, the doctor has shaped modern therapy standards and contributed to MS treatment guidelines.
Currently practicing at Wiener Privatklinik, the doctor continues teaching and research at the Medical University of Vienna.
Dr. Josef Grohs is an experienced orthopedist who specializes in spine surgery. He has over 30 years of clinical practice. He received his medical degree from the University of Vienna in 1986. He also completed advanced training in clinical examination, manual medicine, and clinical monitoring. Dr. Grohs holds a habilitation in orthopedics and has been a certified orthopedic surgeon since 1998.
He is the Chair of AO-Spine Austria and serves on the Advisory Board of the Austrian Spine Society. He was President of the society from 2009 to 2011. Dr. Grohs has performed surgeries in several countries. He is a core reviewer for the Spine Society of Europe and has published many articles in his field. His leadership and knowledge have improved orthopedic and spine care in Austria and internationally.
Dr. Klaus Novak is a neurosurgeon in Vienna with over 20 years of experience. He graduated from the University of Vienna in 1992. He became a board-certified neurosurgeon in 2001. He completed international training. This included research at Beth Israel Hospital in the United States. He introduced intraoperative motor evoked potential monitoring in Austria.
His clinical focus includes spine surgery, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, movement disorders, and neuromodulation. He is active in the interdisciplinary Movement Disorder Board at MedUni Vienna.
Stem-cell therapy for ALS is available in Austria primarily through strict clinical trials. While permitted under European Union regulations, it is not a standard medical treatment. Private clinics in Vienna offer autologous protocols using a patient's own bone marrow or fat tissue under specific safety guidelines.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear distinction between academic centers and private facilities in Vienna. While large institutions like Vienna General Hospital (AKH) lead research, private hospitals like Wiener Privatklinik offer more personalized diagnostic access. Patients should confirm that any proposed stem-cell protocol is registered with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to ensure it meets national ethics requirements for ALS care.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while consultations are easy to book, stem-cell therapy is rarely offered as a standard option outside of research. Many suggest verifying clinical trial status before traveling to Austria for these specific regenerative treatments.
Austrian multidisciplinary ALS care integrates neurology, pulmonology, and nutritional support within centralized university clinics and private facilities. Leading centers like Vienna General Hospital (AKH) coordinate specialized teams. These clinics provide rapid diagnostics, genetic testing, and individualized symptom management through a single-visit approach for complex neurodegenerative care.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients can access elite expertise at Wiener Privatklinik, where over 400 physicians include many professors from the Medical University of Vienna. This provides private-sector comfort with the clinical depth of a major academic institution. This combination is ideal for patients seeking rapid diagnostic timelines without sacrificing specialized university-level insights.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while integrated care for respiratory and nutritional needs is excellent, initiating early physiotherapy often requires persistence. Coordinating quarterly full-team assessments in major cities like Vienna or Innsbruck is recommended to catch swallowing issues early.
Medical tourists can typically schedule remote neurological evaluations in Austria within 1 to 2 weeks. In-person diagnostic assessments in Vienna generally occur within 48 to 72 hours of arrival. Treatment for ALS often begins 4 to 12 weeks after the initial inquiry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Vienna General Hospital (AKH) serves over 595,000 patients annually, private facilities like Wiener Privatklinik offer faster access to professors from the Medical University of Vienna. Securing a slot at a private hospital can reduce the administrative wait for rare neurological consultations by several weeks compared to public university tracks.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that preparing medical records in German or English significantly speeds up the process. Many note that while initial evaluations are quick, starting specialized treatments often requires a 2-month window for insurance and ethics clearance.
Intrathecal stem-cell infusion for ALS is generally safe and well-tolerated. Most documented risks are mild and temporary. Serious adverse events remain rare. These complications often stem from the lumbar puncture procedure rather than the cells. Most symptoms resolve within days with standard medical care.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Clinical data from major Austrian centers like Vienna General Hospital (AKH) shows that safety is linked to institutional volume. Large university hospitals manage over 500,000 patients annually. They follow strict ISO standards that reduce procedural risks. In contrast, small private clinics may lack these rigorous safety benchmarks. Patients should choose facilities with 20+ specialized departments to ensure emergency neurological support is available if needed.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize distinguishing between expected post-procedure fevers and acute deterioration. Many note that choosing accredited facilities is vital to avoid spinal infection risks during the infusion.
Patients should plan to stay in Austria for 7 to 14 days for ALS stem-cell therapy. This timeframe includes initial neurological evaluations and specialized laboratory cell processing. It also covers the procedure itself and 72 hours of mandatory post-treatment observation before flying.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Major Austrian centers like Vienna General Hospital manage over 500,000 patients annually. Their protocols for complex neurological cases prioritize stability over speed. We see that a 14-day stay significantly improves immediate recovery compared to 5-day trips. Choosing an academic hospital ensures access to multidisciplinary teams if respiratory support is needed.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that ALS-related fatigue can double recovery time compared to other treatments. It is important to arrange caregiver assistance for the flight home and throughout the stay.
Austrian clinics provide Edaravone IV to non-EU patients through named patient importation schemes. Access is available at specialized centers in Vienna for international cash-pay patients. Physicians legally prescribe these infusions for patients lacking alternative treatments. Administration typically occurs in high-standard private or university hospitals.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Vienna General Hospital (AKH) serves nearly 600,000 patients yearly, its many professors also practice at Wiener Privatklinik. This allows international patients to access the same top-tier university expertise within a more flexible private environment. Private facilities often manage the complex paperwork for importing non-EMA approved drugs faster than large public institutions.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that private clinics in Austria accept non-EU citizens for Edaravone cycles if they pay out-of-pocket. Many emphasize the need to secure a medical visa early due to the long duration of repeating infusion schedules.
Coverage for ALS treatment in Austria depends on residency status and insurance type. Statutory health insurance (ÖGK) covers comprehensive care for residents. EU visitors use the EHIC for standard care. Private international plans often cover medication and therapy. Experimental treatments like stem cell therapy usually require out-of-pocket payment.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Vienna General Hospital (AKH) serves over 595,000 patients yearly, residential paperwork takes one to six months. Private clinics like Wiener Privatklinik provide faster access to professors from the Medical University of Vienna. These private facilities often specialize in complex diagnostics for international patients not covered by the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that public insurance covers home adaptations and medication for residents. However, non-residents often pay €200 for specialist visits and must budget extra for home care.