Logo image

Rheumatology (Autoimmune Disease) Worldwide: Best Hospitals, Doctors, Options, & Cost

According to research estimates, about 20% of the population worldwide suffers from autoimmune diseases. The immune system begins to attack its body, perceiving organs and tissues as alien and threatening. The joints, ligaments, and blood vessels are most affected by such attacks. Slowly breaking down, they lose their functions. As a result, the quality of life is declining, and disability may even occur.

Best rheumatology hospitals worldwide can significantly alleviate the condition of patients, stop or slow down the course of the disease, and return the joy of active life to patients.

Update: Dec 20, 2024

Best rheumatology clinics

What helps to choose a rheumatology hospital?

When choosing a rheumatology hospital, consider the following factors: hospital reputation, doctor's qualifications, international healthcare standards compliance, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment approach, quality of medical and diagnostic equipment, and availability of laboratory services for complex tests.

Additionally, consider appointment waiting times, participation in research and clinical trials, pricing transparency, and geographical location for climate suitability. The right hospital will provide quality care, potential access to innovative treatments, and support in managing the multifaceted aspects of autoimmune diseases.

Checking feedback, credentials and comparing costs can be valuable advice. Seek assistance from trusted platforms like AiroMedical for comprehensive support and ease in planning your medical journey.

Top rheumatologists

Excellent
AiroScore
9.90
Excellent
AiroScore
9.90
University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich
rheumatology, autoimmune diseases, transplantology and nephrology
Excellent
AiroScore
9.80
University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians Munich
internal medicine, endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology
Excellent
AiroScore
9.80
Park Clinic Weissensee Berlin
internal medicine, rheumatology, immunology
Excellent
AiroScore
9.60
Academic Hospital Schlosspark Charlottenburg Berlin
internal medicine, rheumatology and immunology, osteology
Excellent
AiroScore
9.70
MEOCLINIC Berlin
internal medicine, rheumatology, naturopathic treatment
Excellent
AiroScore
9.70
Excellent
AiroScore
9.90
Excellent
AiroScore
9.80
University Hospital Wurzburg
internal medicine, haematology, oncology, stem cell transplantation, rheumatology

Rheumatology doctor choosing

Selecting the best rheumatologist abroad for your treatment is a critical step that significantly impacts your recovery path. Your selection should consider the specialist's specific training, professional memberships, and experience.

The best rheumatologist should be part of a multi-disciplinary team, including experts in various connective tissue diseases, and use advanced diagnostic tools. They must have a successful track record in treatments, including widely-spread and rare conditions. They should also have a comprehensive approach to pain management, monitor potential complications, and stay engaged in the latest research.

Finally, consider patient feedback to ensure the specialist provides compassionate care for joint disease patients. AiroMedical can help streamline this process.

The diagnostic process in rheumatology

Rheumatology diseases can occur under the guise of other illnesses, and it can be challenging to identify them. Therefore, the success of treatment directly depends on accurate and timely diagnosis. A doctor who specializes in the treatment of rheumatology diseases is based on the study of patient complaints, clinical studies, and lab tests:

Latest diagnostic tools in autoimmune diseases

Serodiagnostics
To make a correct diagnosis, a rheumatology doctor may prescribe blood tests to detect rheumatoid factors, antinuclear (for rheumatoid arthritis), anti-citrulline antibodies (systemic lupus erythematosus), an immunogram, and biochemical studies.
CT, bone, & roentgenogram
If necessary, X-ray and other imaging techniques, e.g., computed tomography, bone scintigraphy, etc.. It is the most accessible way to see the condition of the patient's bones, muscles, and joints.
MRI & ultrasound scans
MRI examines the intervertebral discs, the spine as a whole, neurovascular fibers, and the condition of the vessels. Ultrasound and arthrosonography examine joints, tendons, and affected muscle areas in high resolution.
Densitometry
It determines bone density, which is especially important in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Arthroscopy
Using a mini camera, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, lets orthopedists see the joints from the inside. The arthroscope is inserted through micro-incisions under local anesthesia.

All these and several other specific methods used by rheumatology hospitals overseas allow a high probability of determining the primary diagnosis and prescribing the most effective treatment.

Advanced treatment options in rheumatology

Rheumatology deals with autoimmune diseases and has seen significant advancements in recent years. These developments provide hope for improved quality of life and increased treatment success rates. New treatment strategies focus on personalized medicine and the targeted modification of the immune response.

These advancements are crucial as chronic and acute autoimmune diseases significantly impact patients' lives. Exploring the best treatment options can be daunting, but the AiroMedical team helps guide you through decision-making, ensuring access to the most current treatments proven in clinical trials.

The range of treatment methods

Drug therapy
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids help to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatology patients. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, slow disease progression by suppressing the immune system. The newer, more targeted DMARDs, like biologic agents and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, target specific resistant system components.
Surgery
Operations in rheumatology help to eliminate deformities and functional limitations of joints. Surgery is recommended when medication isn't enough. Joint replacement, arthrodesis (joint fusion), and synovectomy (removal of inflamed joint tissue) are used in rheumatology. Joint replacement is the most common, especially for the hips and knees. Arthrodesis, or joint fusion, provides pain relief but immobilizes the joint and is usually a last resort.
Conservative treatment
In rheumatology, conventional treatment integrates physical therapy, physiotherapy, and psychological support to deliver a personalized care plan.

Physical therapy involves structured exercises to enhance muscle strength and joint flexibility, while physiotherapy uses heat, cold, and massage to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Psychological support helps patients handle chronic rheumatic conditions' mental and emotional aspects. It can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness exercises, and educational resources to empower patients in their disease management.

Innovative approaches

Orthokine therapy
Serum from the patient's blood is injected into the diseased joint. The body receives a massive dose of proteins, enhancing the anti-inflammatory effect. As a result, the pain goes away, and joint mobility is restored.
PRP therapy
The patient is injected with his platelet-rich plasma. It restores cartilage and removes inflammation in the joint. The essence of the method is to force your body to produce the necessary number of cells for tissue repair.
Tekar therapy
Rheumatology method based on the use of electromagnetic fields. A special device generates pulses that penetrate the patient's tissues, dilate blood vessels, and activate blood circulation.
Immunosorption
A safe way to purify the blood and remove harmful substances formed during rheumatology disease. With the help of a particular device, plasma is isolated from the patient's blood, filtered, and returned to the patient.
Injections of chondroprotective substances
The injection of unique drugs that restore the structure of cartilage. As a rule, such preparations contain hyaluronic acid. It nourishes and strengthens cartilage tissue. In addition, the gel consistency reduces the load on the affected joint.
Radiosynoviorthesis
Rheumatology treatment by radiopharmaceuticals. A radioactive substance with a small radiation radius (several millimeters) is injected into the disturbing joint under ultrasound or X-ray control.

Rehabilitation as a part of rheumatic disease treatment

Special attention is paid to the rehabilitation of patients, both at the initial stage of the disease and after operations or the acute phase.

AMADEO system
It is a robotic device and software for hand rehabilitation, beneficial for stiffness or reduced hand function. AMADEO enhances hand rehabilitation by engaging patients in interactive games and exercises; it promotes motor relearning and improves sensory feedback. It's ideal for individuals recovering from strokes, those with arthritis, or anyone experiencing limited hand mobility due to various conditions.
Lokomat
The Lokomat is an innovative device that uses robotic assistance and virtual reality to retrain the body to walk naturally. Simulating normal walking patterns helps individuals regain strength, balance, and coordination after injuries or prolonged periods of immobility due to arthritis. This system can be adapted to fit many patients and their specific rehabilitation needs.
Electrical stimulator
Electrical stimulation, also known as e-stim, is widely used in each rheumatology hospital and uses low levels of electrical currents to stimulate muscle, promoting healing and reducing pain. Replicating the body's natural muscle movements can effectively restore function. Moreover, it's beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions in rheumatology like arthritis or fibromyalgia, reducing muscle spasms, and promoting improved blood flow to assist recovery.

In conclusion, there are various advanced treatment options in rheumatology, each with pros and cons. We are here to help you explore, understand, and find the proper solution for you, navigating the complex picture of medical advancements and emerging therapies.

Treatment cost & budget

Autoimmune disease€1,898 - 4,740

Rheumatological examination€1,898 - 4,740

Advantages of medical tourism

Rheumatology therapy abroad uses modern medicines with high efficiency and minimal side effects. Treatment tactics are limited to preventing the progression and aggravation of diseases, as they are mostly chronic.

Benefits of medical travel for rheumatology treatment

Accuracy and speed of diagnosis
High-precision equipment makes it possible to detect even microscopic damage, identify how much nearby tissues are involved in the process, and scan the entire body for functional changes. After this examination, the probability of accurately identifying the problem and understanding all the features of the disease increases significantly.
Treatment by world-renowned rheumatologists
After diagnosis, the patient receives a document describing the exact diagnosis and has the opportunity to consult and be treated by effective-rated rheumatologists.
Best treatment choice
Doctors carry out many procedures annually and sometimes face the most complex cases in medical practice. However, even if the disease is detected late, as a rule, it is possible to slow down the illness course and improve the patient's quality of life.
Virtual consultation with a rheumatologist
It will help solve organizational and urgent issues before treatment in a selected hospital. Sometimes, you can solve the question online without going anywhere.
Reasonable prices with a high level of service
Rheumatology treatment abroad is more than effective medicine with the latest technologies and equipment. It is also a significant saving. For example, for residents of the USA, treatment abroad is often 3-5 times cheaper than at home.

Access to the medical database and advanced technologies, cooperation with world-renowned rheumatology doctors, and the world's largest specialized clinics make treating autoimmune diseases with AiroMedical an effective process at any stage.

We use all available tools to find the best hospital for rheumatology and the leading specialist and provide complete information about scientific and clinical achievements in treating your particular disease.

We support patients with any pathology, staying in touch before, during, and after rheumatology treatment. Developing a unique treatment algorithm for each patient ensures the maintenance of high quality of life, the quick achievement of remission, and its maintenance for many years.

How AiroMedical can help you

Global medical travel platform for searching and booking treatments.
  • Best choice among 534 clinics & 4,657 doctors with no hidden fees.

  • AI-powered tools and human expertise in 339 diseases and conditions.

  • Ready to book all-inclusive 7,378 treatments and packages.

  • Genuine medical travel experience in 29 countries & 259 cities worldwide.

Read more in our blogs