Dr. Philippe
Ghobrial

As a private specialist, I have no contract with the statutory health funds, which means we can freely choose the best diagnostics and therapy together. You pay the fee directly at my practice. Depending on the service, you receive a portion reimbursed by your statutory health fund. Patients with private supplementary insurance for outpatient and inpatient treatment typically have no out-of-pocket costs for surgery.

Supplementary insurance (e.g. from UNIQA, Wiener Städtische, Generali, Allianz, Merkur, Donau, Muki, ERGO, Wüstenrot or Zürich) typically covers surgery costs at private hospitals in full. You can also have surgery without supplementary insurance — costs are then discussed transparently with you.

I operate at four leading Vienna private hospitals: Klinikum Währing (Atomos Clinic, 1180 Vienna), Wiener Privatklinik (1090 Vienna), Privatklinik Döbling (1190 Vienna) and Rudolfinerhaus (1190 Vienna).

At the first appointment, I take enough time for your medical history, physical examination and, if necessary, imaging (X-ray, MRI). I explain clearly what the diagnosis means and what treatment options exist — so you can make an informed decision.

I recommend surgery only when conservative measures (physiotherapy, shock wave therapy, injections) have been exhausted or when the diagnosis clearly indicates a surgical procedure. My goal is always the best possible outcome with the least necessary intervention.

The surgery itself is performed under general or regional anaesthesia — you are asleep or feel nothing. Afterwards, the experienced anaesthesia team at the private clinic ensures optimal pain management. With minimally invasive procedures, pain in the first days is usually well controlled. I will discuss with you in advance exactly what to expect, and you will receive a clear pain management plan from me for when you go home.

This depends strongly on the procedure and your occupation. For minor or arthroscopic procedures (e.g. meniscus or hand surgery), desk work is often possible after just a few days. After joint replacement (knee, hip), we plan realistically for several weeks. Physically demanding work takes correspondingly longer. I create an individual rehabilitation plan for each patient — so you know from the start what to expect.

Every operation carries a certain residual risk — it would be dishonest to deny this. Typical general risks include infections, injuries to adjacent structures or wound healing problems; these are extremely rare thanks to the excellent operating conditions in the private clinics. Procedure-specific risks are discussed in detail with you in the pre-operative consultation. Minimally invasive techniques further reduce tissue damage and associated risks to an absolute minimum.

After major procedures (knee or hip replacement), structured physiotherapy is essential — it is a key part of a successful recovery. I recommend suitable physiotherapists and create a clear rehabilitation plan. For private patients, supplementary insurance typically also covers the costs of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation.