International patients typically begin melanoma treatment in Israel within 2 to 5 days of arrival. The process starts with a diagnostic phase lasting 1 to 3 days to confirm staging. Clinical pathways for surgery or immunotherapy often initiate immediately following these final evaluations.
- Diagnostic window: Specialized testing and pathology revisions usually conclude within 72 hours.
- Surgical scheduling: Procedures like Mohs microsurgery are often performed 3 to 4 days post-arrival.
- Systemic therapy: Immunotherapy infusions like Keytruda may begin within 5 days of landing.
- Fast-track options: Advanced cases involving TIL therapy can sometimes start within 48 hours.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a significant efficiency gap between private and public tracks. Assuta Medical Center, a private facility, performs over 92,000 operations annually with a focus on patient-selected specialists. This private model often bypasses the administrative queues found in larger state institutions like Sourasky, despite the latter's massive volume of 1,800,000 yearly patients. Sharing digital biopsy slides before travel typically strips 2 days off the onsite timeline.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that having a coordinator meet them helps speed up the initial ultrasound and doctor visits. Many note that quick results at clinics like Assuta provided immediate peace of mind and faster surgical dates.
