An artificial joint, whether a hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) or a knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) , can not only reduce pain but also restore quality of life, mobility, and independence. However, in Germany today, many people suffer from pain for months because they cannot get a quick surgery appointment—often despite a clear indication for a joint replacement .

In this comprehensive guide you will learn:

• Why waiting times for hip and knee replacement surgeries are so long
• to get a quick surgery appointment
• What advantages do private clinics offer — also for those with statutory health insurance?
• What options exist for having early surgery despite having statutory health insurance?
• Why the Endoprostheticum Rhein-Main under Prof. Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner is an ideal place to start.

1. The reality: Long waiting times for hip and knee surgeries

1.1 Why waiting times are increasing in Germany

Many people believe that the German healthcare system automatically ensures quick access to surgery. However, the reality is quite different, hip or knee replacements several months or longer for an operation appointment—even when experiencing severe pain, significant mobility impairment, or a substantial reduction in their quality of life.

There are several reasons for this:

• Staff shortages in hospitals – nursing staff and operating room teams are lacking, so capacities are limited.
• Bed closures – beds remain closed due to a lack of nursing staff.
• Prioritization of emergencies – traumas and acute illnesses are scheduled before elective procedures.
• Regionally varying resources – not every region has the same number of specialized endoprosthetics departments.

1.2 For whom is a hip or knee endoprosthesis appropriate?

An endoprosthesis is recommended when conservative therapies (physiotherapy, medication, injections) are no longer sufficient and daily life is severely restricted — e.g.:

• Rest pain that is barely controlled by strong painkillers
• Walking disability or daily limitations
• Sleep disturbances due to joint pain
• End-stage osteoarthritis or deformed joint surfaces

In many cases, early implantation of a hip or knee replacement stop further joint deterioration and bring about a radical improvement in quality of life.

2. Strategies for a faster surgery date

While publicly funded hospitals are increasingly overburdened, there are several strategic ways to get a quick surgery appointment :

2.1 Be proactive – don't wait

Many patients make the mistake of being satisfied with their initial admission to a public hospital. Instead, it is recommended to:

• directly inquire about capacities at specialized centers
• to obtain several orthopedic opinions
• Contacting a contact person for surgery early on

This can save several months of waiting time.

2.2 Get a second opinion – be prioritized earlier

Some doctors prioritize urgent cases earlier than others. A second or even third opinion can help to better assess your medical urgency and potentially get you a surgery date more quickly.

2.3 Search across regions – also nationwide

Many people limit their search to their own state or place of residence. However, specialized endoprosthetics centers in particular often have available capacity that you can use—even if they are located some distance away.

2.4 Targeted use of private clinics

Privately run clinics often offer short waiting times for joint replacement surgeries—often within a few weeks instead of months . These clinics frequently have:

• modern surgical technologies
• specialized orthopedic teams
• flexible surgical planning
• no interference from other disciplines

This creates a clear advantage for patients who want a hip or knee replacement more quickly

3. How even those with statutory health insurance can have surgery quickly

3.1 Reimbursement of individual costs (§13 SGB V)

A largely unknown but highly effective option for those with statutory health insurance is the individual cost coverage according to §13 para. 2 SGB V. This allows the health insurance company to cover the costs of treatment in a private clinic – provided the medical necessity and the delay in the public system are well-justified.

The process:

1. Medical indication and urgency as determined by your treating physician
2. Application to the health insurance company with justification
3. Clinic suggestion with short-notice surgery dates
4. Health insurance company decision
5. Surgery in a private clinic – often within a few weeks instead of months

This possibility is often not communicated sufficiently — yet it can make a crucial difference in quality of life.

3.2 Cooperation models between practices and clinics

Some specialist practices work closely with private clinics and help patients to professionally formulate and submit this application. This significantly increases the chances of quick cost coverage—and therefore also of a quick surgery date .

4. Advantages of private clinics for hip and knee replacements

Private hospitals and specialized orthopedic centers offer a number of advantages in endoprosthetics:

4.1 Shorter waiting times

While public hospitals often have waiting lists of several months , private clinics can usually offer appointments within a few weeks — often after just 2-4 weeks.

4.2 Individual support

In private clinics you will often find:

• in-depth personal discussions
• individual therapy planning
• continuous care before, during and after the surgery

This time and attention have been proven to have a positive effect on recovery and satisfaction.

4.3 Modern surgical techniques and specialized surgery

Many private clinics utilize technological advantages such as:

• digital 3D surgical planning
• navigated implantation
• minimally invasive procedures

This ensures precise placement of the implants and often faster rehabilitation.

4.4 Flexible rehabilitation planning

Follow-up care is also often easier to plan and individually tailored to you — with close integration of physiotherapy and rehabilitation management.

5. Recommendation: Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main & Prof. Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner

5.1 Who is Prof. Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner?

Prof. Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner is one of the leading experts in Germany for endoprosthetics of the hip and knee and heads the renowned Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main in Mainz.

His approach is characterized by:

• High specialization in hip and knee replacement
• individual patient care
• close cooperation with partner clinics such as the curaparc-clinic Mainz
• personal support throughout the entire treatment process, from the surgery date to rehabilitation

5.2 What makes the endoprosthetic special?

At Endoprostheticum Rhein-Main, patients receive:

• a precise diagnosis
• comprehensive information about risks, opportunities and surgical procedures
• Active support in scheduling an appointment for hip or knee replacement surgery
• Advice on the reimbursement of individual costs for those with statutory health insurance

Prof. Kutzner's team has already helped many patients several months earlier than would have been possible in the regular system.

6. Step-by-step: How to get your quick surgery appointment

Step 1 – Secure the diagnosis

Have your healthcare provider confirm that a hip or knee replacement is medically necessary.

Step 2 – Document complaints

Keep a pain diary and note down:

• Type of pain
• Duration and frequency
• Restrictions in everyday life

This documentation helps to clarify the urgency of your case.

Step 3 – Contact specialists

Contact specialized centers — e.g., the Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main — and ask about surgery dates and capacities .

Step 4 – Submit an application for reimbursement of individual costs

With the support of the Endoprostheticum, you submit the application to your health insurance company — with medical justification and evidence of waiting times.

Step 5 – Secure an appointment & perform the surgery

Once the cost approval is received, your hip or knee replacement take place in a partner clinic — usually quickly and well organized.

7. Conclusion – How to quickly get a hip or knee replacement

Getting a quick surgery date for a hip replacement , total hip replacement , knee replacement, or total knee replacement doesn't have to take months or years. With proactive steps, using private clinics, and targeted support from your health insurance provider, you can have surgery much sooner—often within a few weeks instead of months of waiting.

Endoprotheticum Rhein-Main under the direction of Prof. Dr. Karl Philipp Kutzner is particularly recommended , as it provides individual care to patients and helps them to quickly and professionally obtain a surgery appointment.

Find out more here: endoprotheticum.de