Reviewed by Julian Douwes M.D.

Your first Lyme consultation

You have been through a lot to get to this point. Here is exactly what to expect from your first consultation—so there are no surprises, only support.

We know that by the time most patients reach us, they have been through years of appointments, tests, treatments that did not work, and sometimes encounters that left them feeling dismissed. Your first consultation here is different. We listen first. We take your experience seriously. And we are honest about what we can and cannot do.

Before the consultation: how to prepare

A little preparation helps us understand your situation more quickly and makes your consultation more productive. You do not need to do anything complicated—just gather what you can.

What to have ready

  • Your complete medical history as it relates to Lyme disease and related symptoms
  • A chronological summary of your illness: when symptoms started, key turning points, treatments tried
  • All Lyme-related test results (blood work, imaging, specialty lab panels)
  • A list of all treatments you have tried, including antibiotics, supplements, and alternative therapies, with approximate dates and your response to each
  • Your current medication list with dosages
  • A list of your current symptoms, ranked by severity and impact on daily life
  • Any questions you want answered—write them down so you do not forget during the appointment

Do not worry if your records are incomplete or if you cannot remember every detail. We have worked with thousands of patients and we are experienced at building a clinical picture from whatever information is available. Bring what you have. It is enough.

What happens during the consultation

Your first consultation is typically a video call lasting 45–60 minutes. Here is what you can expect at each stage.

1

We listen to your story

The consultation begins with you. We want to hear your experience in your own words—not just a list of symptoms, but the full picture of what living with this illness has been like. How it started. What you have tried. What has helped. What has not. What matters most to you right now. This is not rushed. We have allocated the time because we know that being truly heard is part of the healing process.

2

We review your medical history

Your physician will review the test results and treatment records you have provided. They will ask targeted questions about your symptoms, your response to previous treatments, and your overall health. If important tests are missing, they will note what additional diagnostics would be needed.

3

We explain what we see

Based on your story and your records, your physician will share their clinical assessment. This includes what they believe is happening, what additional information is needed, and whether your presentation suggests that treatment at Klinik St. Georg is likely to be appropriate for you. They will be honest—including if they believe your case may not be a good fit for our approach.

4

We discuss your options

If treatment is recommended, your physician will explain what a program would look like for your specific case: which diagnostics, which treatment modalities, estimated duration, and what outcomes are realistic based on their experience with similar cases. If there are alternatives you should consider, they will tell you that too.

5

We answer your questions

This is your time. Ask anything. About the treatment. About the hospital. About what daily life looks like during a stay. About costs, logistics, risks, recovery. No question is too small or too detailed. We would rather you leave this consultation with clarity than with lingering uncertainty.

Who you will meet

Your initial consultation is conducted by a physician who specializes in Lyme disease. This is not a general intake coordinator or a nurse screening call. You will speak directly with a doctor who has treated thousands of Lyme patients and who will be involved in your care if you proceed with treatment.

The physicians at Klinik St. Georg who conduct initial consultations have specific expertise in:

  • Chronic and treatment-resistant Lyme disease
  • Co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma)
  • Whole-body hyperthermia protocols
  • Integrative treatment planning
  • International patient management

If you proceed to treatment, the physician you consult with will be part of the team that oversees your care. There is continuity from your first conversation through discharge and follow-up.

What happens after

After your consultation, there is no pressure to make an immediate decision. Here is what typically follows.

1

You receive a written summary

Within a few days of your consultation, you will receive a written summary of the physician's assessment, their recommendations, and a detailed cost estimate for the proposed treatment program. This includes all anticipated costs—diagnostics, treatment, medications, monitoring, and hospital stay.

2

You take time to decide

We do not use urgency tactics or pressure timelines. Take the time you need to discuss with your family, your physician at home, and anyone else whose counsel matters to you. If you have additional questions after reflecting, you can reach out to our team.

3

If you decide to proceed

When you are ready, we schedule your treatment dates and begin planning. Our international patient coordinator will help with travel logistics, accommodation for your companion, and all pre-arrival preparations. You will receive detailed information about what to bring and what to expect from your first day at the hospital.

4

If you decide it is not the right time

That is completely fine. Your consultation and assessment remain on file. If your situation changes in the future, you can reconnect without repeating the process from scratch. There is no expiration on our willingness to help.

Common concerns we hear

Patients often carry anxiety into their first consultation. Here are the concerns we hear most, and our honest response to each.

"I'm worried you will tell me there is nothing wrong with me."

If you have been living with chronic symptoms, there is something wrong. We will not dismiss your experience. Our job is to figure out what is causing your symptoms and whether our treatment approach can help. If we believe something else is going on, we will tell you that too—but we will not tell you it is in your head.

"I'm afraid treatment will not work for me."

This is a reasonable concern, and we do not dismiss it. Not every patient achieves the outcome they hope for. What we can promise is that we will be transparent about what our experience shows for patients with presentations similar to yours, including the probability of significant improvement, partial improvement, and non-response.

"I'm not sure I can afford this."

We understand. Treatment abroad is a significant financial commitment. We provide a detailed cost estimate before you commit, so there are no surprises. We also provide insurance documentation for reimbursement claims. If the financial picture does not work for you, we respect that completely.

"I'm nervous about traveling so far for medical care."

Many of our patients feel this way before they come. By the time they arrive, most are surprised by how smooth the process is. Our international patient coordinator handles logistics, the team speaks English, and Bad Aibling is a peaceful, beautiful place. You will not feel lost or alone.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to share your story?

No commitment. No pressure. Just tell us what you have been through, and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

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