A good treatment request is built around the medical evidence, not a long email describing the situation from memory. German international offices publish specific requirements for recent reports, translations, imaging and pathology so their specialists can decide whether treatment or a second opinion can be offered.
Use German or English unless the hospital says otherwise
Heidelberg requires medical documents in German or English. LMU likewise asks for a current medical report translated into English or German and lists radiology, laboratory, operative and histopathology information as useful additional material. Translation requirements can differ by hospital, so follow the chosen center's current instructions.
Keep reports current and identifiable
Heidelberg's current international-patient instructions require documents to be up to date, titled, dated, typed and to show the patient's name. It states that reports are generally expected to be no older than three months, with a shorter period for hematology cases.
- Patient name visible on each report
- Clear report title, such as Histology Report or MRI Report
- Date shown in an unambiguous format
- Typed rather than handwritten documents
- Current medical summary describing the course of disease
Imaging often means more than a PDF report
For CT, MRI, PET/CT or other radiology, the written report may not be enough. Heidelberg describes receiving expected DICOM image files before specialist review in relevant cases. If a center asks for original image data, use its secure upload method rather than compressing large studies into ordinary email attachments.
Pathology may need separate handling
For oncology, the written pathology report is essential, but a specialist center may also request slides, blocks or additional molecular information. Do not ship original material until the receiving department gives clear instructions about format, address and return policy.
Create one concise medical summary
A chronological summary helps a specialist understand the case quickly and reduces contradictory information across multiple documents.
- Main diagnosis and date diagnosed
- Key symptoms and current condition
- Previous operations and procedures
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other treatments with dates
- Current medications
- Important allergies and major coexisting conditions
- Specific question: treatment request, second opinion or diagnostic review
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-08-29. Administrative, insurance, reimbursement and visa rules can change. Follow the current instructions of the responsible hospital, insurer or public authority before acting.