Diagnostic confirmation may be the first cost episode
When CIDP is uncertain, the center may repeat or extend electrophysiology and supportive testing before discussing long-term immunotherapy. Ask which diagnostic components are included in the quotation rather than assuming that every test is part of one consultation fee.
- Neuromuscular or neuroimmunology specialist consultation
- Motor and sensory nerve-conduction studies
- EMG when indicated
- CSF examination when indicated
- Serum electrophoresis, immunofixation and selected antibody testing
- Nerve ultrasound, MRI/MR neurography or other imaging in selected cases
IVIG cost depends on dose, body weight and treatment schedule
IVIG is not a fixed-price procedure independent of the patient. Drug amount, infusion schedule, induction versus maintenance treatment, observation requirements and laboratory monitoring can materially change the estimate. Ask whether the quotation covers the complete planned course and associated facility charges.
SCIG shifts part of the budget into long-term maintenance
For selected patients, subcutaneous immunoglobulin can be used as maintenance therapy. The relevant cost question is not only the first German visit but also the recurring medicine supply, training, monitoring and whether ongoing prescribing can be transferred to the patient's home country.
Corticosteroid treatment has different direct and indirect costs
Steroid-based therapy may have lower immediate drug cost than immunoglobulin but can require monitoring for blood pressure, glucose, bone health, infection risk and other adverse effects. Long-term treatment planning should therefore consider monitoring and complication prevention rather than comparing only medication prices.
Plasma exchange or immunoadsorption requires a separate hospital estimate
Apheresis-based treatment can require vascular access, repeated sessions, laboratory monitoring and inpatient or day-unit resources. If it is being considered for severe or refractory disease, ask for an episode-specific estimate instead of assuming it is included in a routine CIDP consultation.
Long-term follow-up is part of the real treatment cost
CIDP often requires repeated assessment and treatment adjustment. The total budget can include follow-up neurology visits, objective strength or disability testing, repeat electrophysiology in selected cases, medication monitoring and treatment tapering or spacing. Clarify which parts can safely be continued by a local neurologist after the German review.
Send complete records before requesting a quotation
A center can estimate more accurately when it knows whether the request is for diagnosis confirmation, a treatment-response review or a specific therapy course.
- Neurology reports and symptom timeline
- All nerve-conduction and EMG reports
- CSF and laboratory results
- Current weight if IVIG is being discussed
- Current and previous IVIG/SCIG dose and schedule
- Steroid and other immunotherapy history
- Any previous plasma exchange or immunoadsorption
- Objective evidence of treatment response
- The purpose of the inquiry: diagnostic second opinion, treatment optimization or planned therapy
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-09-01. Cost procedures and published service fees can change, so confirm current terms directly with the provider before transferring money or booking travel.
- Immune-mediated neuropathies / CIDP outpatient clinic — Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin ↗
- Inflammatory diseases of the peripheral nervous system — University Medical Center Freiburg ↗
- Immunoneuropathies – diagnosis and treatment options — University Medical Center Freiburg ↗
- Neuromuscular outpatient clinic — Heidelberg University Hospital ↗