Treatment Methods

Regardless of the medical care required, whether it is assessment, treatment or preventive measures, the medical process always starts with a preliminary meeting.

All types of medical care processes are complex, and involve problem identification, finding possible solutions and taking the necessary measures to eliminate the problem. We assume full responsibility for the entire process, accompanying and supporting the patient on both physical and emotional levels at all times. Patients are typically in a state of stress or anxiety during the preliminary meeting, due to the uncertainty of further proceeding, and prior to making an important decision. Preparation for this meeting is an integral part of the treatment, as it allows us to establish contact with the patients and to learn more about them and about the specifics of their illness. This stage essentially brings us closer to achieving our common goal: a successful and beneficial treatment process.

Our job is to support, advise, guide and accompany patients, taking into account not only their illness or clinical condition, but also various psychological factors. The ability to help patients and to give them the hope they need and deserve are core values that are always positioned at the base of any treatment.

Our patients know that they are in the reliable hands of professionals. We believe that information is an important tool that allows people to make the right decisions about their health. Therefore, we have collected useful information that will help you understandof the scope and essence of our work.

For more information about the methods and treatments offered by Stern-Med, please select the relevant topic:

Assessment/Diagnostics

Diagnosis is an integral and essential part of the treatment. Well-executed diagnostics are the key to any successful treatment. Israeli medicine is one of the most advanced in the world, with global experts acknowledging the highest levels of diagnostics capabilities in Israel.

The Israeli field is also renowned for its application of the most modern diagnostic and treatment methods available for a wide range of diseases. Early diagnosis is one of the key factors for successful treatment – which, ultimately, can save lives. Doctors and healthcare experts recommend annual physical examinations for all, and in particular for those aged 40 and over.

A comprehensive physical examination

Consultations with specializing doctors

Laboratory tests – Even a simple blood test allows Israeli doctors to check hundreds of different parameters, which impact the accuracy of diagnosis and the quality of treatment.

Functional diagnostics – Examination of all systems and physiological functions and/or specific groups of functions.

Tests: These include ergometric, respiratory, audiogram, cardiostress test, etc.

Types of examinations

Oncological examination
Cardiac examination
Neuropathological examination
Gastroenterological examination (including Hepatobiliary search): gastroscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy
Gynecological examination (including ultrasound, diagnostic hysteroscopy, urogynecology, oncogynecology)
Urological examination
Endocrinology examination
Pulmonary examination
Otolaryngological examination
Ophthalmological examination
Hematologic examination
Orthopedic examination
Rheumatological examination
Diagnostic and reconstructive arthroscopy
Dermatological examination
Laboratory studies in full, including oncomarkers
Research on KRAS, Oncotype, Target NOW
Genetic studies of congenital and oncological diseases
Ergometry
Cytology and histology of tissue materials

Visual diagnostics

Advanced radiography, mammography.

Ultrasound, including vascular studies using Doppler. This is an absolutely safe method of examination, which reveals diseases of almost all organs and tissues at the earliest stage (neoplasms, stones, cysts). Ultrasound is also used as a diagnostic method for urgent conditions requiring surgical intervention, such as acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, and thrombosis of blood vessels.

Angiography and coronary angiography – Diagnosis of malformation of blood vessels, thrombosis, obstruction of the biliary and hepatic ducts, vascular disease, blockage of the hepatic arteries. A contrast agent is used for testing.

Echocardiography, cardiostress test, ECG

CT (computed tomography), CT angiography (computed tomography of blood vessels), CT of the heart (Cardioscan). Computed tomography is a method that combines X-ray images in various projections, making it possible to obtain an ultra-accurate image of the required organ in three-dimensional form.

Isotope studies – Functions of bones, organs and tissues.

PET-CT and PET-MRI – Positron emission and computer tomography, this is a scanner that provides multimodal visualization, including parameters of functionality, anatomy and molecular processes. Philips’ unique Time of Flight technology enables test completion within half an hour (two separate tests were previously required: PET-CT and MRI). It is effective in diagnosing malignant tumors, evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment, assessing the state of the myocardium, and diagnosing diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
More accurate results
Higher image resolution
Low level of exposure to radiation (30% lower in comparison with the regular dose of radiation)
Effective, takes less time.

MRI and MRA – Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography – a safe method of study that uses nuclear magnetic resonance. It is used for brain and spinal cord lesions, soft tissue and bone diseases, head and neck tumors.

MRI and ultrasound fusion biopsy – The newest technology of prostate diagnosis, based on magnetic resonance imaging.

Nuclear medicine – General scintillation and scintillographic procedures on the heart.

DaTscan – Enables the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease at its initial stage. Brain mapping with the help of tomography that uses the isotope chamber.

Modern Gamma Camera – Gamma cameras are designed to visualize and study the kinetics of radio-pharmaceuticals in the internal organs and physiological systems of the patient’s body. It is performed by scanning the entire body (skeleton) and with the help of computed tomography of internal organs that enables the obtaining of a three-dimensional visualization for early diagnosis of oncological, cardiovascular diseases, thyroid, kidney, liver and gallbladder, brain, lung, and heart diseases. Its constructive and operational simplicity is a major advantage.

Physical Check – Up: Advanced Physical Function Examination

This program allows you to combine recreation with a full clinical examination. This is one of the most common services in the field of medical tourism. Check-up is a complex physical diagnosis process and a comprehensive examination using modern diagnostic methods. Detection of diseases at an early stage significantly increases the likelihood of complete recovery, especially in cases of oncological pathologies.

When compiling an individual Check-up program, the clinic takes into consideration several factors: the patient’s recent physical activity, harmful habits and hereditary factors. At the end of the testing and assessment by the doctor – the patient’s supervisor determines whether there is a need for further checks and also defines relevant risk factors. This leads to the development of an individual examination program which includes the diagnosis of specific organs or groups of organs that may be at risk.
The more parts of the body are examined, the more likely that the alleged disease will be cured at an early stage. According to statistics, 60% of cancer cases are detected in the 4th stage, when it is no longer possible to help a person. Check-up allows physicians the chance to identify diseases, including cancer, at an early stage and possibly save lives.
Timely medical assistance can also prevent many other diseases.

In addition to the standard examinations, a more precise examination allows more in-depth tests of the necessary groups of organs. This aids in the definition of recommendations for the prevention of diseases which are relevant to patients’ risk group, as well as treatment and surgical intervention.

Check-up can take anywhere from a few hours to two days, and is suitable for patients with a tight schedule.

Possible Check–Up Options

General Check-upbasic

Therapist consultation – Questioning of the patient, medical history study, physical examination, differential diagnostics. Based on the information received, other types of examination are assigned.
Blood tests – A general blood test, detection of biochemical indicators in full (unfolded) form, hormonal profile, presence or absence of oncomarkers, rheumatoid factor, the presence of C-reactive protein and other markers of pathological processes in the body.
Urinalysis – A general urine test, specific tests if necessary
Respiratory tests
Consultation of a cardiologist – Physical examination, ergometry under physical strain
Chest Radiography
Ultrasound and Doppler study
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis
Ophthalmologist consultation – Checking the visual acuity of the retina, measuring intraocular pressure, examining the fundus, testing the visual fields
Dermatologist consultation – Examination of the skin, the definition of precancerous lesions
Nutritionist consultation – Based on the results of tests and patient’s history, the specialist offers recommendations for a healthy nutrition plan
Conclusive (final) consultation – Delivery of medical documents to the patient with the results of the conducted studies, the conclusions of the consultants, the planning of preventive measures / treatment / surgical intervention

Check-Up oncological

Detection of oncological diseases, consultation with oncology and radiologist, blood tests and blood markers – CEA, Ca 19.9, Ca 125, Ca 15.3, PSA, CPR, general urine analysis, CT of chest, abdominal and pelvic organs, PET-CT and PET -MRI, revision of microscope slides of histology and immunology, MRI with contrast agent, KRAS, Oncotype, Target Now, ultrasound of the thyroid gland and additional studies / tests as needed.

Check-Upfor Women

Diagnosis and identification of women’s diseases, including gynecology consultation (examination, manual examination, taking a smear from the vagina and cervical scrapings of the PAP smear, vaginal ultrasound of the small pelvis, biopsy with histopathology if required), breast surgeon consultation (mammography for women over 40, breast ultrasound for women under 40), obstetrician gynecologist consultation, cardiologist consultation, blood tests (full blood analysis, full biochemical blood test, oncomarkers, thyroid function, CPR), general urine analysis, thyroid ultrasound and abdominal organs – small pelvis, breast tissue biopsy with histopathology and immunohistology, computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, breast MRI, osteodensitometry for the bone density study (for women over 40 years who fall in the group of higher risk of osteoporosis).

Check-UPSpecific Studies

These are conducted if required or at the request of the patient. Specific tests and checks are exclusively based on the specialist’s recommendations and their necessity for diagnosis, prevention or treatment.

Gastroenterological Check-up – Examination of the digestive tract. This includes a consultation with gastroenterologist, proctologist, nutritionist, a detailed analysis of blood and urine, analysis for latent blood, muscle fibers, stearin, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis, biopsy if required, computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and pelvis if required.
Cardiac Check-up – Examination of the cardiovascular system. This includes a consultation with a cardiologist, vascular surgeon, cardiac surgeon, blood analysis, ECG, ultrasound of the heart, ergometry, daily monitoring (Holter), ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and lower limbs if required, coronary angiography if required, isotope examination of the heart function.
Nephrological / Urological Check-up – Examination of the urinary and genital systems. This includes a consultation with a nephrologist / urologist, specific blood and urine tests including PSA and urine culture, ultrasound of the abdominal and genitourinary organs, intravenous urography, cystography, kidney scintigraphy, uroflowmetry, isotope bone scan, cystoscopy, isotope kidney function examination, biopsy of the prostate with histopathology, computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and pelvis, TRUS.
Otorhinolaryngological Check-up – Detection of ENT diseases and pathologies of hearing. This includes a consultation with an ENT specialist, x-ray of the facial sinuses, CT of the head and sinuses, computed tomography and MRI of the face and neck if required, audiogram, tympanometry, laryngoscopy, BERA.
Ophthalmologic Check-up – The detection of pathologies of vision. Consultation with an ophthalmologist, optometrist, visual acuity and refraction examination, intraocular pressure measurement, retinal and ocular fundus examination, pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement), eye ultrasound, fluorescent eye shots, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Ocular Echobiometry.
Neuropathological Check-up – Detection of neurological pathology. This includes consultation with a neurologist, a physician from the pain clinic, specific tests, an electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyographic examination of muscle conduction (EMG), CT angiography of the head and neck vessels with contrast material, Transcranial Doppler (TCD), computed tomography and MRI of the head / spine if required, evoked potentials testing.
Endocrinological Check-up – Detection of hormonal disorders. This includes a consultation with an endocrinologist, an expert in diabetes mellitus, comprehensive hormonal profile blood test, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, a biopsy of the thyroid gland if required, bone scintigraphy for detection of osteoporosis, computed tomography of the abdominal organs, isotope examination of the function of hormone producing organs, MRI of the head if required.
Pulmonary Check-up – Examination of the respiratory tract. This includes a consultation with a pulmonologist, thoracic surgeon, blood tests, spirometry – respiratory function testing, X-ray of the lungs, CT scan of the chest organs if required, bronchoscopy if required, puncture of lungs with biopsy and histopathology of FNA if required.
Orthopedic Check-up – Examination of the musculoskeletal system. Consultation with an orthopedist, traumatologist, spinal surgeon, blood and urine tests, bone radiography (dynamic), computed tomography and MRI of the spine, MRI of the joints, isotope bone scan, biopsy, diagnostic arthroscopy.
Genetic Check-up – Detection of genetic pathologies. This includes genetic research, a consultation with a genetics expert, recommendations, and treatment.
Maternal Check-up – Examination at various stages of pregnancy.