Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Arnon Karni
41 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) in Israel typically costs from $16,500 to $22,800 per treatment. Total pricing depends on the administration setting, specialist fees, and required neurological diagnostics. In the US, similar treatments cost around $80,000 on average. Patients save approximately 75% by choosing Israel for their medical care. This often includes medical supervision during the infusion and initial specialist follow-up.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing major public centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) or Sheba Medical Center offers high value. These facilities are ranked among the World's Best Hospitals by Newsweek. Patients access top specialists like Prof. Arnon Karni, who trained at Harvard. Individual injections at Sourasky typically run about $5,950. This is a smart move for those seeking JCI-accredited care at lower costs than private clinics.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) | ≈ $16,500 | ≈ $4,500 | ≈ $8,800 |
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Pre-Operation
Day 3: Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) Infusion
Week 1-2: Post-Operation
Week 3-4: Rehabilitation
Please note that each patient"s experience with Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) can differ. Always consult with your healthcare team for personalized advice.
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Dr. Arnon Karni specializes in multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis, with immunological studies at Harvard University.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a monoclonal antibody therapy targeting CD20-positive B-cells to treat multiple sclerosis. It is available in Israel at JCI-accredited centers like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center for relapsing forms of MS and primary progressive MS (PPMS).
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israel's leadership in neuroimmunology is clear when looking at clinics like Sheba Medical Center, ranked 7th globally. Surgeons like Dr. Arnon Karni at Sourasky bridge the gap between research and practice, having trained in MS immunology at Harvard University. This high level of specialization ensures that patients receiving Ocrevus benefit from protocols used at the world's top-tier institutions.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the convenience of 6-month dosing over daily injections but emphasize using pre-medication to manage infusion-related fatigue. Many stress that patience is vital, as early relapses occasionally occur before the drug reaches full efficacy.
Ocrevus is generally safe for relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis when managed by specialized neurologists. It requires screening for Hepatitis B and regular blood monitoring every 6 months. Patients typically experience 12–24 hours of mild fatigue or soreness following the intravenous infusion sessions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky or Sheba utilize neurologists with specialized research backgrounds in neuroimmunology. While the drug is effective, our data shows patients often choose Israel for the 6-month follow-up window. This allows them to combine mandatory IgG monitoring with consultations from global experts like Dr. Arnon Karni.
Patient Consensus: Many feel the risk-benefit profile is favorable compared to letting MS progress. Most report only short-term fatigue and find the twice-yearly schedule more manageable than daily medications.
Ocrevus treatment risk includes infusion-related reactions, most common during the initial dose, and increased susceptibility to infections like respiratory tract issues or shingles. Rare but serious risks involve progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), liver injury, and potential malignancies including breast cancer. Patients usually receive steroids and antihistamines beforehand.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sheba and Sourasky differentiate their Ocrevus protocols by integrating precision medicine. Dr. Arnon Karni at Sourasky, who studied at Harvard, focuses specifically on neuroimmunology. This expertise helps patients manage pseudo-flares, which are temporary symptom spikes often mistaken for treatment failure in less specialized settings.
Patient Consensus: Expect profound fatigue for about one week following your infusion. Many patients suggest bringing hard candy to mask the bitter taste of medications and reporting any throat tightness to nurses immediately.
Individuals should not take Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) if they have an active hepatitis B infection or have experienced life-threatening infusion reactions. Severe hypersensitivity to ocrelizumab or hyaluronidase is a definitive contraindication. Treatment must be delayed for active infections including respiratory and urinary tract issues.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) prioritize a specific premedication protocol to bypass infusion sensitivities. Surgeons use a cocktail of Benadryl, Solu-Medrol, Claritin, and Pepcid because managing the infusion environment often allows patients with mild historical reactions to complete treatment safely.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize checking for even minor symptoms like a sore throat or UTI before sessions. They report that being infection-free is the biggest factor in avoiding treatment delays or adverse immune responses.
Ocrevus is administered by healthcare professionals through intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection. The standard protocol involves an initial split-dose regimen of two 300 mg infusions 2 weeks apart. Maintenance doses of 600 mg follow every 6 months to manage multiple sclerosis effectively.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While initial infusions require 4 hours, Israel’s JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky अक्सर provide a shorter 2-hour infusion for maintenance. Expert neurologists like Dr. Arnon Karni, who studied neuroimmunology at Harvard, oversee these protocols to ensure safety during faster administration.
Patient Consensus: Expect to spend a full day at the clinic due to pre-medication and monitoring. Patients recommend staying consistent with the 6-month schedule to prevent disease activity flares.
Ocrevus infusions in Israel typically take 4 to 7 hours total from arrival to discharge. Patients receive intravenous therapy at specialized oncology or neurology centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov). Procedures never occur in standard exam rooms or at home to ensure patient safety.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While private clinics like Herzliya Medical Center offer tailored VIP service, large state facilities like Sheba Medical Center handle over 1.9 million patients annually. This high volume often means nurses and neurologists like Dr. Arnon Karni have unparalleled experience managing rare infusion reactions efficiently.
Patient Consensus: Plan for a full half-day and treat the session like a long flight by bringing entertainment. Pre-medications often cause drowsiness, so patients strongly recommend arranging a driver for the trip home.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is included in Israel's national health basket (Sal HaBriut) for multiple sclerosis treatment. Coverage applies through the four national HMOs (Kupot Holim) for patients meeting specific clinical indications. Administrative approval from a medical committee is often required before beginning therapy.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sheba Medical Center are evolving from traditional drug distribution to precision research. Sheba is currently developing CAR-T therapies specifically for severe autoimmune diseases. This shifts the focus from simply managing symptoms to regenerating the immune system, often providing alternatives if Ocrevus is not suitable.
Patient Consensus: Individuals emphasize that even while Ocrevus is technically in the basket, you should prepare for administrative hurdles. Consulting a neurologist at a specialized center like Sourasky (Ichilov) helps ensure your documentation meets strict Ministry of Health criteria.
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.