Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Michael Shapira
36 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Diagnostic costs in Israel typically average between $5,700 and $7,900. For medical tourists, final costs depend on the specific test complexity, the facility level, and whether it's part of a package. Prices can be 30-40% lower than in the US.
Typical Diagnostics Costs in Israel
Leading diagnostic centers are located in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Consultation with a specialist helps clarify the final cost based on your specific diagnostic needs.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Treatment of chronic pain after hernia surgery | ≈ $3,500 | from $350 | ≈ $3,800 |
| Operation by doctor's recommendation | ≈ $5,500 | from $2,200 | ≈ $3,200 |
| Diagnostic laparoscopy | ≈ $4,200 | from $4,400 | ≈ $2,900 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Diagnostics treatment upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Diagnostics treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Diagnostics treatment journey.
Dr. Alon Friedlander is a leading orthopedic spine surgeon listed among Israel’s Top Doctors by Forbes. He serves as the Director of the Orthopedic Department at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Friedlander treats complex spinal disorders in both adult and pediatric patients. He uses both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques for precision care.
Dr. Einat Shacham Shmueli is a senior medical oncologist at Sheba Medical Center. She specializes in gastrointestinal cancers, treating the colon, stomach, and pancreas. Dr. Shacham Shmueli holds dual board certifications in oncology and gastroenterology. She trained at UCSF in the United States. Her clinic at Sheba Medical Center is ranked among the top 10 hospitals worldwide.
Dr. Almog Ben Yaacov is a senior surgical oncologist at Sheba Medical Center. He has performed over 200 HIPEC procedures for complex abdominal cancers. He focuses on treating gastric cancer, sarcoma, and colorectal malignancies. Dr. Ben Yaacov holds board certifications in both General Surgery and Surgical Oncology.
Dr. Amit Tirosh is the Head of the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET) Service at Sheba Medical Center. He is an international authority on von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease and hereditary tumor syndromes. Dr. Tirosh contributed to global clinical guidelines for VHL management. He also leads the Endocrine Oncology Bioinformatics Lab at Sheba.
Israel offers superior medical diagnostic accuracy up to 91% by utilizing advanced AI-driven imaging and hybrid technologies. Patients access rapid 48-hour testing cycles that often correct previous diagnoses. High-tier facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center provide world-recognized expertise under JCI-accredited standards.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli diagnostic protocols benefit from a unique volume-to-expertise ratio. At Sourasky Medical Center, specialists manage over 400,000 patients annually. This massive data flow allows their AI systems to identify strokes or embolisms faster than standard manual reviews. Patients choosing Tel Aviv for diagnostics essentially access a global research hub where doctors also serve as scientific innovators.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the speed is life-changing, as they receive answers in days that took months to coordinate elsewhere. They appreciate the comprehensive approach where doctors spend significant time explaining logical treatment recommendations based on the new results.
Diagnostic processes in Israel typically take 3 to 7 business days for most international patients. Basic check-ups finish in 1 to 2 days. Complex oncology or cardiology evaluations require 5 to 10 days. Specialist consultations and advanced imaging are often compressed into a single week.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals like Sheba Medical Center offer a VIP track that can shorten diagnostics to 48–72 hours. To avoid delays, schedule your arrival for a Sunday or Monday. Local observances from Friday sunset through Saturday often halt non-emergency testing. This small scheduling shift prevents your timeline from extending unnecessarily over the weekend.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the process is highly efficient but emphasize bringing translated medical records to avoid repeating basic tests. One patient highlighted that a comprehensive problem study and treatment plan were completed in just one hour during their appointment.
Israeli medical centers generally require new diagnostic tests upon arrival to ensure data accuracy and safety. While some imaging or biopsy slides may be reviewed as history, doctors often mandate fresh lab work. This ensures results meet specific local standards and laboratory calibrations at facilities like Sheba Medical Center.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from top-tier facilities like Sourasky Medical Center shows that same-day diagnostics are standard. This efficiency means even if you must redo a complete blood count costing $110, it rarely delays your treatment timeline. Most diagnostic results are integrated into your electronic health record (EHR) immediately for the treating specialist to review.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that redoing tests is a standard part of the process and highly recommended for safety. They often suggest budgeting between 100 and 500 USD for these repeat diagnostics to avoid surprises during the initial consultation.
Language barriers in Israeli hospitals are manageable but require preparation for non-Hebrew speakers. Large centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center have dedicated international departments. Most senior physicians, such as Dr. Michael Shapira, are fluent in English. However, support staff and administrative forms often rely on Hebrew.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Language support correlates strongly with patient volume and clinic type. Private facilities like Assuta Medical Center offer more personalized English assistance than crowded public departments. At Sourasky Medical Center, which serves 1,800,000 patients yearly, the sheer volume of international cases has led to more robust multilingual signage and coordination services.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while surgeons speak English well, navigating the emergency room or nursing desk often requires a translation app. Many recommend bringing a bilingual friend or preparing written questions in advance to avoid 1 on 1 communication gaps during diagnostic tests.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.