Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) in 200 Spine surgery clinics in Europe

Never go here, Please. Dr. Julia Brzoska promotes in Doctorlib reception of publicly insured patients, but they do not. They have unqualified personal on the front desk unaware fully of regulations. It wasted my time in such a delicate topic. They are another private clinic sustained by marketing.

Most Traumatizing Medical Experience Ever! While the Meo clinic might impress with its aesthetics and cordial staff, its administrative and financial aspects are deeply flawed: Lack of Transparency: I never received a clear financial breakdown for my treatments, and attempts to seek clarity were met with resistance. Billing Issues: A year post-treatment, I got bills escalated to collection agencies and court by PVS, an outsourced payment firm used by many of the clinic's doctors. The initial bills of approximately 3800 EUR more than doubled. Worse, the bills had incorrect patient details. Missing Medical Records: Despite continuous requests over two years, I've only gotten records from one out of the four doctors I saw. A recent visit revealed a mere two notes from 22 visits and a few prescription copies – no record of MRI/MRT scans, ultrasounds, cancer tests, or blood tests. Poor Communication: The clinic's staff claim that doctors operate autonomously and aren't answerable to them. The doctors, on the other hand, blame PVS, their invoice firm. PVS remains unresponsive, creating a maddening loop of non-accountability. Legal Issues: While withholding necessary medical documentation from me, the clinic keeps adding to my bills via lawyers. They know I need the documents for insurance, but continue to stonewall all communication attempts, even from my insurance provider. In summation, my experience with the Meo clinic has been nothing short of a nightmare. Despite promises of proficient service and clear English communication (given my expat status during the Covid lockdowns), I've received neither medical results nor proper documentation of treatments. Their blatant disregard and lack of support have left me feeling abused and overlooked. I warn potential patients, especially international and EU visitors to Germany, to be cautious before visiting this clinic! Expect zero documentation, no effective communication, and exorbitant bills. This clinic seems indifferent to the profound impacts such negligence might have on your life, expecting you to bear costs out-of-pocket despite insurance coverage. The only "documentation" you might get are bills from PVS that state amounts without any clear patient context. When reaching out to the clinic for help they clearly state that they aren’t responsible for any of “their doctors”… but at the same time advertise their clinic as a fully integrated medical institution that takes care of everything for you as their patent! It’s absolutely scandalous!

**EDIT TO RESPOND TO COMMENT*** While I understand the reply is mainly to manage reputation for people reading this review, I spent 35 minutes trying to 'rectify' the issue in the clinic and was met with eye rolls and sighs from unhelpful management. I understand there are protocols to follow in regards to billing, it is just a shame that this time it seems those protocols weren't adhered to and extra charges were added. I believe my email address and phone number are on file so I am happy to discuss further if you wish to reach out. ------ ORIGINAL POST Quoted €80-150 for a doctors consultation and after a 12 minute consultation was given a bill for €394,88. Was eventually discounted by €80 euros as was able to show I was charged for services I didn’t receive but still was grossly overcharged and my lack of speaking German was taken advantage of (one small example was my 12 minute consultation was charged as “Mind. 20mins” which the obnoxious manager tried to tell me means “under 20 minutes” and wouldn’t change). Even when you do the right thing and ask for a price upfront you still get ripped off. Please think twice before attending this clinic as they are not upfront at all and are very deceitful. The receptionist was good and very apologetic but all other staff dealt with were rude and unhelpful. The final explanation is “I’m sorry but the professor can charge what he wants and won’t change anything”. Be careful if you don’t speak German as you will likely get overcharged too.

What a wonderful hospital. We had a pre-operation visit today, and from the reception to having our nurse consult, blood tests and X-Rays done, each and everyone we saw, were so kind, and explained everything in detail as to what was going to happen step by step to make us feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. I highly recommend this hospital. Thank you 👍

Referred by Luzdoc to Urgencias on Tuesday 31 October. Everyone we encountered was extremely helpful. Special thanks to Dr Issy and Dr Pedro who reassured me with their professional competence. Nursing staff were very caring. Waiting in such medical circumstances is expected and inevitable. All staff spoke English without any hesitation, for which I am grateful as unfortunately my Portuguese is not to that level. I thank everyone for their assistance and treatment.

Very nice people and very professional doctors at this hospital so the 2 stars are for them. I had a cut in my lip and needed stitches. The very friendly Dutch speaking doctor put in 4 stitches. Good job. But than came the bill. The treatment took 15 minutes, sedation and stitching. The bill: 1100 euro. A totally excessive amount of money for the work done. 2 Years ago I was here also for 6 stitches in my face and than I had to pay around 350 euro. There is something seriously wrong in our society if you wanna make that much money over the backs of people that need treatment. HPA, you should be ashamed. To the CEO of this place, try to look in the mirror and say out loud, 4 stitches 1100 euro, and than keep a straight face.

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful reception (Fiona) she provided at Harbour Hospital professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made a significant impact and contributed greatly to my experience at the Hospital Here ability to manage everything so seamlessly and with a smile was truly appreciated. It's people like Fiona who make Harbour Hospital a place of excellence, but also a welcoming and supportive community. Thank you Ihab Elsamannoudi

I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. From registration to leaving everyone was amazing. They always are. Mr. Hilton is so nice, as is Dr. Wee. My nurse was Alison, I think. All the staff are just so nice and happy to chat and have a laugh. I hope I don’t have to go back, but if I do I know I will be looked after and happy.😘🥂

All the staff were excellent. They were friendly and incredibly supportive. From the consultant, Mr Harvey and anaesthetist, Mr Snow to all the nursing staff - particularly Karina, Margaret and Sally - there were many others, Vanessa, Abby and Bernard who all took such care. I felt very looked after. Thank you.

Medical outcomes so far seem very good. Surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre staff excellent. Ward staff generally excellent, but there were a couple who were a but grumpy (everyone has an off day). Equally one male nurse (Sule) was brilliant, which is what you need after surgery when you're feeling rough and vulnerable.

I was admitted to the care of Mr Roy Abraham and his team by NHS referral for a hysterectomy, everyone was really lovely and I felt very well looked after especially by the nurses during my stay. I had a lovely private en-suite room and even the food was good. 5 stars would recommend!

Well looked after by caring staff at all levels. Good food and comfy private room. Two minor niggles. The TV reception in the room was very poor. The fridge used to keep ice packs for swollen knees was inadequate which meant recommended application times could not be met.

Claire was excellent and most attentive. All the staff were amazing. The rooms are lovely (albeit a bit noisy road side but I was a day patient so didn’t matter). Theatre nurses were so kind. Ms Rajeswari saw me before, immediately after and before I went home and was most reassuring. Anaesthetist K O’Connor kept me chatting while putting me under so I never had any stress or tension. It was overall an amazing experience and makes me grateful for my private medical. Thank you all. Down to the sandwich and tea. Everything was perfect and ran so smoothly and got a phone call 9am next day to ensure I was ok. Thank you.

I was so impressed with my care at Princess Margaret. Every single member of staff I encountered were absolutely fantastic. Right from the receptionist on my way in, then the porter who showed me to my room, the lady who took my lunch order and then of course all of the HCA’s, Nurses, Theatre Practitioners etc. Miss Predolac was a star as always and my anaesthetist was also great at putting me at ease from the get go. Unfortunately I’m rubbish with names but I would like to do a special mention of the breast nurse - she was absolutely fantastic and tipped my experience over the excellence edge. Thanks so much.

The staff were all very professional and caring. The hospital was exceptionally clean. I was very pleased with the standard of care, it made the treatment less concerning. The post treatment call was also very reassuring and helpful. Thank you all.

Wonderful level of care from the pre op assessment all the way through my stay. Each and every member of staff I came across truly cared and did everything they could to make me and my stay comfortable. Also very welcoming to my partner who visited everyday.

Hospital staff made my treatment comforable, pleasant and cheerful. They show professionalism . Everything was up to date, prompt and done efficiently. Excellent treatment done by the surgeon and her team on my eye. I give my full credit to the staff and the hospital. Thank you.

My whole experience at Shirley Oaks was the best I could have expected. I was a patient at Shirley Oaks when it first opened in the late 80's and it has since then become my hospital of choice. From the senior nursing staff to the catering and housekeeping staff, everyone of them where extremely professional, caring and friendly. I enjoyed my stay on the ward. Many, many thanks to all who looked after me.

Following on from my left elbow replacement I had all of my post operation physio carried out by Hannah at the Sloane Hospital in Beckenham. Hannah was very attentive, understanding of my limitations, listened carefully, managed and monitored my progress and was very warm and friendly. I would highly recommend Hannah to anyone else who is considering using a physio. Wendy Dobson

Everything about my day surgery was absolutely perfect from the moment I arrived until the moment I went home. In addition to being very skilled and professional, every member of the Sloane Hospital team were kind and caring. I never thought I would feel 100% relaxed on the day of an operation. I would highly recommend day surgery at Sloane Hospital to anyone who needs it.

Alison, Becky and Anne were amazing and made me feel comfortable. My anaesthetist and his assistants made me feel extremely calm going in to my surgery too. Andrew J Prior did a great job it couldn’t have gone better. Very grateful!

I will most certainly consider signing up to private health care following this experience. I was made to feel welcome from the moment I entered, and I was provided with top care at all levels, from receptionist, to health care assistants, to nurses, to the doctors. A real credit to health care. Even when I was struggling post-op, I was never felt to be a burden.

Wow! What Can I say.. Excellent. From The Moment I Arrived At Reception Till I Came Home The Staff Were The Best. As I Am A Very Anxious Person I was Very Worried Going To Have My Cataract Done But Everyone Was So Lovely It Put Me At Ease. I Cant Thank Them Enough. Mr Gupta Is A Great Surgeon And Was So Nice Throughout The Procedure. Lovely Hospital / Lovely Staff. So Again Thank You!

They were excellent, couldn’t be happier with the service I received. It was my first time and a private hospital and I would happily pay again for treatment. They even called me the following day just to make sure I was ok

Recently I undertook a course of physiotherapy at the Cavell hospital for a knee problem. My physiotherapist, Finlay McDonald, was excellent. He has a friendly yet professional approach and I had the utmost confidence in him. He is a good listener and my treatment plan was agreed between us. Needless to say my knee feels much better. Thank you Finlay.

After waiting 3 hours for my procedure I felt very rushed out (I was not given the correct appointment time). Whilst sedated I was woken up to call someone to collect me. I hadn't eaten for almost 24 hours and no liquids for 6 hours but I had to ask for some food and was given a small cup of water. The consultant did not speak with me afterwards so I left not knowing what to do next. I was asked if I had any questions but was too drowsy and distressed to answer coherently. The cannula insertion was horrendous, blood everywhere I've never been asked to lift my arm before to stop bleeding. At this point I was fainting; nausea, profuse sweating and briefly unresponsive. I hope the room was cleaned thoroughly as there was still blood on the chair when I left.

I went to The Cavell Hospital on 16th October for a physio after the hip replacement. The physiotherapist Chris was very patient, kind, friendly and professional. The lady at the reception was very considerate and kindhearted! The doctor who operated me was brilliant and the nurses were wonderful. I appreciate the service I've received from this hospital.

I had a very good experience with The Lancaster Hospital. I was shown to my private room promptly upon arrival, all individuals involved in my operation came to visit me before it took place, and the procedure + aftercare has been exemplary. I would like to extend my gratitude to the hospital for making everything as smooth as possible.

I attended the hospital in February 2021 and received excellent help whilst I was there. So when I recently needed and Arthroscopy on my left knee I requested that I could return there for my treatment. The hospital is excellent and the care given is great. I prefer going there than anywhere else because I know how caring all of the staff are, from Specialists to porters they are all so caring. Many thanks for all of your help.

I’ve been to Lancaster before, and I had the exact same care as last time 5Star…. I can’t fault all of the staff, as there motivation, professionalism and knowledge of the job in hand is second to none. I only found the reception desk a little cold, on greeting you, they just seamed a little “what do you want”! Sorry but front of house! Should be the first meet and greet with a smile at least….

When I came out of hospital I felt a lot happier and more confident than when I went in, knowing that I could only improve. The staff were excellent at all times and guided me through every phase of my stay. For and on behalf of Elizabeth Clegg, In-patient November 2023

All of the staff were very courteous, attentive, well presented, and exceptionally friendly. At all times I was made fully aware of what was going on in preparation for my operation. The whole experience was 5 star. I was very pleased to receive a follow up call following my discharge from the hospital.

From the moment I arrived to the discharge staff were caring, warm, attentive and supportive. Very professional and I felt like they wanted me to have the best experience they could provide. From Professor London right through to the gentleman who provided my food, everyone did an awesome job.

I cannot fault a single thing with my stay at The Lincoln, every single person I came in contact with were just amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they were helpful, caring, understanding and extremely professional. If I have to have another stay in hospital I hope its at The Lincoln. Saying thank you for all the care I received seems really inadequate.

Right from the initial consultation I was informed of everything that would happen ,the service from admittance staff to nurses, anaesthetist and consultants was absolutely magnificent. The staff genuinely could not do enough for me. The room, the food and all the attention offered I would highly recommend to anybody

This was my second treatment. The treatment was very painful and staff in the treatment room were slow to react, despite my verbal communications that got louder. The consultant quickly finished the injection. I only received assistance when I asked some to please raise my knee as I couldn't move and was in pain. Maybe they didn't believe i was in excruciating pain. Last time I had a staff member chatting to me, distracting me. This time there was no friendly chat and no-one next to me. I was embarrassed with the situation and apologised, and although staff began to show concern, I felt it was somewhat delayed. The staff outside the treatment room were very caring, helpful and kind. I was given the after treatment pamphlet but was not told about medication side effects or who to call. It may be because I'd been before but all the same I would have felt better to be reminded.

From the moment Isle of Wight NHS transferred my care to The Hampshire Clinic, the level of communication and care was excellent. I was kept informed every step of the way with extra care and thought about the length of my stay and the need to travel to and from the Island to Basingstoke. When there was an unavoidable delay in my operation, the whole team ensured that it was rescheduled and happened within 12 hours of the original time. When I responded badly to the anaesthetic, the night team were kind and patient, keeping me hydrated and comfortable until I could tolerate fluids. I received outstanding care and feel fortunate that the NHS referred me after being by in their waiting list for so long. It has made me seriously question the benefits of private hospital care and should I need treatment again in the future, is a route I would definitely explore. Thank you to Mr Sethi and the whole team.

I have always had nothing but the best care from all the members of staff at The Hampshire Clinic. They are all , Friendly, approachable , knowledgeable in their field, and caring. I've stayed in hotels and had less satisfactory service.

The staff , nurses and receptionist are all amazing and super friendly . My consultant DR George Goumalatsos is just fantastic . I have had a previous surgery with him in 2019 and I honestly feel I couldn't have asked for a better doctor . I know my road isn't closed just yet as awaiting on some rest result , but he has reassured that we will do another surgery once he has my test results back and help me feel like a brand new woman and free me from this horrible disease. His knowledge is just amazing. Thank you to all at the Hampshire clinic for the great work .

Staff were all very kind and attentive - from hospitality to medical. Everyone introduced themselves and took time to explain everything about my operation and stay. The facilities, food and medical care at the Manor was all outstanding. I am recovering well at home and was pleased to get a follow up call to check everything was good. Thank you

I cannot thank everyone at The Manor enough. Everybody was fantastic from the moment I arrived. Professional and friendly . Maureen my Physio had great faith, even when I felt I had a mountain to climb! thank you for believing in me. Well on my road to recovery. Feeling very blessed.

Everyone was very friendly and professional. Everyone that came into my room introduced themselves and explained their role. There was always someone there if I needed them and everyone treated me with respect. It was a nice relaxed environment and I was made to feel very comfortable - maybe too comfortable as it was difficult to pack up and leave!

From entering the Woodlands Hospital to leaving I was treat with the utmost courtesy. Though my needs were few, they were no problem for the staff. My operation went down 1, 2, 3, just like they told me. If I need any surgery in the future I would return to the Woodlands Hospital.

I was very satisfied with my treatment. The only minor criticism I would make is regarding aids to take home after my hip replacement. My letter indicated that there would not be any but I was offered a raised toilet seat when leaving but I had already bought one thinking that none would be offered.

I was looked after from the moment of walking in, taken to my room, the staff were brilliant and explained everything. Your housekeeping team were super, they gave me a choice of food and all was there when I returned from theatre. The anaesthetist and consultant took time to talk me through my procedure and expectations and answered all my questions. I had a very positive experience. Thank you so much for looking after me.

Had a fantastic experience as a patient at The Droitwich Spa Hospital. The consultant was very thorough and explained things in detail, I didn't feel rushed. The imaging team were fantastic and booked me at very short notice, had amazing patient care in the MRI scanner and results were available quickly. Amazing service

I attended my first ever MRI today. I want to say a special thank you to Diane who was doing my scan. She was so lovely, caring, kind and professional. I was so nervous and she just did the magic and made me feel so much better. I don't think I would do it without her support. And also the girls who was assisting her was very lovely too. What a great tram!

Had a knee scan done Monday afternoon and received the results and report Tuesday morning which exceeded my expectations. Everything was explained so well and the staff were excellent and very professional, can’t recommend enough. I also used the Alter G treadmill and the explanation and straightforwardness when coming to booking and using it made it super easy for me to get on with my rehab. Grateful for all their help in aiding me in my recovery.

attended the one stop breast clinic, and cannot praise highly enough the whole experience was comfortable and professional from start to finishing the staff at every level were kind, caring, made me feel at ease and really eased my nerves. 10/10

Couldn't fault any of the staff for their professionalism, friendliness and reassuring manner they showed me during my short time with them. Everyone from the receptionist to the consultant were absolutely fantastic. Only one gripe I have is the limited parking on site. We were lucky to get a space but the alternative was a pay & display at a local supermarket. I find this a bit off considering the money I was paying for the treatment!!

The whole team at HCA Wilmslow are absolutely amazing. They quality of care and attention to detail is something I’ve never seen before. Special mention to nurse Rachel who was absolutely fabulous and took such good care of me both before and after my surgery.

My wife has had a shocking experience. She had surgery moved over 4 times, paying for services she never received and when complained was only offered partial payment as a ‘goodwill gesture’, yet over a month later, Spire continue to earn interest and withhold the funds. Their response after agreeing to partial payment is to ‘seek legal advice’. They do not value their patients at all and continue to ignore emails. Disgraceful service.

My dad had his total knee replacement on Saturday 21st October at Spire Bushey and I have many good things to say and some special thanks to certain people working there who made the experience a positive one. My dad was diagnosed with arthritis over 15 years ago and told he needs a knee replacement in his 50s, but he held out mainly due to fear and decided he would rather walk being reliant on just one leg then get the other replaced. Fast forward to present day where my dad is now 69 years old we then met Dr Paddy Subramanian - he was very positive, informative and honest and my dad felt very reassured and confident in him, as did I - I wanted by dad to be treated well and also believed Dr Paddy would take care of him and we decided to go ahead. Dr Paddy in fact saw us twice as my dad started getting nervous and needed some additional reassurance and Dr Paddy certainly gave us that second time round also. He was very generous with his time The day of surgery came and we arrived at Spire reception and were escorted by Gary Mullins who was a very friendly and kind gentleman and gave my very nervous dad reassurance. It was a comforting start to what was a very nervous day and the service Gary provided was much needed as he was the first person to start our day. This kindness and comfort continued and didn’t stop with Gary- the nurses Herald and Jessica who worked in the Lea Ward on Saturday 21 October 2023 made the whole time spent in room 35 so comforting. They were very very kind, professional, personable, reassuring and took such FANTASTIC care of my dad. Two of the best nurses we have ever come across. Every patient / hospital needs a Gary, Jessica and Herald - 3 people I imagine any patient would instantly feel better by To anyone nervous about knee replacement - don’t be if you’re getting it done by Dr Paddy. My dad was terrified of getting this knee replacement for years and as was I for him! We had all sorts of nightmares including of him waking up mid surgery and seeing/ hearing / feeling the procedure. I unfortunately can’t remember the anaesthetists name but he did a fantastic job at providing the perfect amount of sedation. Its very early days for him as it’s only 2 days after surgery and there’s a long rough road to recovery and lots of work to do day in day out but far more positive now. The knee replacement surgery itself is rough when you think about what they are actually doing - but the reality was that although that might be true, it turned out to be the best and most comfortable surgery experience my dad has ever had. He woke up from surgery in a pretty good state and far better then any of his previous surgeries My dad was in room 35 which was a lovely room. Very comfortable, nice room with a nice bathroom. The hospital itself was extremely clean and nice also. The food was great and whoever prepared the omelette and crème brûlée did a great job as my dad really enjoyed it Also additionally, the Spire Diagnostic centre is where my dad had to go before surgery during the lead up for his checks. This place also gave my dad reassure and confidence for the surgery because the diagnostic centre is extremely impressive - very state of the art and the staff also great. Unfortunately I don’t know the names of the staff that did his tests during his first pre op assessment there but they did a great job Earl was the final person we saw during our stay there, he was super kind and friendly and his kindness left its mark I am a very grateful daughter. We were so nervous before but now so thankful to all those mentioned in this review Thank you Dr Paddy & the team that were all there in theatre with him for your expert work, thank you Herald, Jessica, Garry, Earl, Kwasi , the physio team and Spire Hospital Thank you all very much! Please pass on my thanks to all those mentioned in this review

Unfortunately in June 2021 Spire Bushey Hospital almost killed me. I had an operation there with an over night stay and there was a complication after surgery that was completely missed by the nurses and doctors during my over night stay despite me showing clear symptoms from the moment I came out of surgery. I was rushed to an NHS A&E 1 day later after being discharged from Bushey Hospital with in severe septic shock needed an emergency operation and almost died this followed a very agonising 3 week stay in an NHS hospital. Then Spire did their own internal investigation and got that wrong. Firstly they sent me the wrong patients details so I actually had someone else’s information of another person who had complained. Then they stated that a complication was ruled out when it wasn’t and stated all my observations were normal which they weren’t. They said I was sipping fluids fine but never measured that I was given a black opaque jug of water which was changed far too regularly by the domestic staff so it definitely wasn’t measured. I raised a formal complaint with them which they have taken months and months and months to reply to and still have not responded despite me trying to chase the complaint. My surgeon at Bushey has been very helpful and told me he was very surprised that they did not even speak to him or approach him during their internal investigation so even he has found it shocking. You’re staff nearly killed me, they shared the opinions using confirmation bias to explain away clear symptoms of Spesis and there was not a NEWS score in sight. One nurse didn’t even know how to take a tympanic temperature (from the ear). The education of their staff post surgery is something they failed on their CQC report in January 2021 and it clearly put patients like me at serious risk. Please, please, please do you research when choosing a hospital for your operation because it’s so important to find a place with competent staff to look after you or your loved ones. Your life is at stake. EDIT: 03/10/23. I have responded to their message and emailed the address they have given. I have had no response.