These terms set out what applies between the practice and its patients: how an appointment comes about, what happens if it is cancelled, how fees are settled, and how findings and data are handled.
In brief
- This is a private practice (Wahlarztordination). Fees are invoiced directly; on application, Austrian statutory health insurance usually reimburses around 80 % of the corresponding public tariff.
- Appointments can be cancelled or moved free of charge up to 48 hours beforehand.
- The fee is due after the consultation.
- This page is no substitute for a medical consultation. In an emergency, call 144.
The sections below are the binding version.
1. Scope and contracting parties
These terms apply to all treatment contracts between the neurological practice of Dr. med. univ. Stephanie Hirschbichler, MSc PhD, specialist in neurology, Landstraße 32, 6900 Bregenz, Austria (the “practice”) and her patients.
They supplement the statutory provisions, in particular the Austrian Medical Act 1998 (Ärztegesetz), the Civil Code (ABGB) and the Consumer Protection Act (KSchG). Deviating arrangements apply only if agreed in writing.
The terms are available on the website at www.dieneurologin.com/behandlungsbedingungen, in the online booking system and at the practice. By arranging an appointment, patients confirm that they have read and accepted them.
2. Formation of the treatment contract
The treatment contract is formed once an appointment is bindingly arranged – online through the booking system, by telephone, by email or in person at the practice. For online bookings, the contract is concluded when the booking is submitted and these terms are accepted; confirmation of the appointment follows by email or SMS.
The subject of the contract is neurological examination, advice and treatment according to accepted medical standards. The practice owes careful treatment, not a particular outcome.
The practice may refuse or end treatment for good cause — for instance where the relationship of trust has broken down, where patients do not cooperate, or where the required service lies outside the field of neurology. Emergency care is unaffected; patients are referred to suitable services.
3. Appointments, cancellation and missed-appointment fee
The practice works by appointment only. The time set aside for each appointment is reserved exclusively and is not available to other patients during that period.
Cancellation: Appointments can be cancelled or moved free of charge up to 48 hours before the agreed time – through the online booking system, by telephone on +43 5574 94101 or by email to info@dieneurologin.com. What counts is when the cancellation reaches the practice; outside opening hours, the time the email or the online cancellation arrives.
Missed-appointment fee: If an appointment is not cancelled, is cancelled late or without good cause, or is not attended, the practice may charge the following fee:
| Appointment | Time reserved | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| First appointment / detailed neurological examination | approx. 45–60 min. | EUR 120 |
| Follow-up / discussion of findings | approx. 20–30 min. | EUR 60 |
| Instrument-based examination (e.g. EEG, ENG/EMG, ultrasound) | approx. 30–45 min. | EUR 90 |
The fee covers the time that could not be used otherwise. It is not a health-insurance service and cannot be submitted for reimbursement. It does not apply where the appointment can be given to someone else at short notice, or where the cancellation is due to an unforeseeable serious reason such as acute illness, an accident or a death in the family. Patients remain free to show that the practice suffered no loss, or a smaller one.
Late arrival: If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the consultation may have to be shortened or a new appointment arranged for organisational reasons. Waiting times caused by emergencies cannot be ruled out; the practice does its best to keep them short.
4. Fees, private practice and payment
Private practice: The practice has no contract with the Austrian statutory health insurance funds (Wahlärztin). Services are invoiced directly to patients. Reimbursement by the health insurance fund is possible on application by the patient and usually amounts to 80 % of the corresponding public tariff; the remainder and any additional services are borne privately. The practice gives no assurance as to the amount reimbursed.
Fees: Fees follow the schedule available at the practice and published on the website. Patients are informed of the expected cost before treatment, in particular for additional or requested services such as detailed expert opinions, certificates, second opinions, or telephone and video consultations.
Payment: The fee falls due immediately after treatment and can be settled in cash, by debit or credit card, or — by arrangement — by bank transfer within 14 days of the invoice date. The invoice meets the requirements of the health insurance funds for reimbursement. In the event of late payment, statutory default interest and a reminder charge of EUR 10 per reminder will be invoiced.
Findings and certificates: Issuing certificates, expert opinions, confirmations or copies of findings outside ongoing treatment is subject to a fee charged according to the time required.
5. What patients contribute
Careful neurological diagnosis depends on complete and accurate information. Patients undertake to
- bring previous findings, imaging (MRI/CT on a data carrier or as an access code), doctors’ letters and an up-to-date list of medication to the appointment,
- disclose previous illnesses, allergies, pregnancy, implants such as a pacemaker, and any ongoing treatment by other doctors,
- follow instructions for preparing instrument-based examinations (e.g. well rested for an EEG, no creams on skin or hair, advice on blood thinners before an EMG),
- report changes of address, telephone number, email or insurance status without delay,
- say in advance if someone will accompany them, where unfitness to drive or difficulties with walking or memory make that advisable.
Explanation of examinations, treatments, risks and alternatives takes place in person. Patients may ask questions at any time and may refuse treatment; they will be informed of the consequences of doing so.
Fitness to drive is addressed as part of neurological treatment (e.g. in seizure disorders, with vertigo, or after certain examinations or medication). Responsibility for observing such advice rests with the patient.
6. Findings, records and access
The practice keeps records of every treatment in accordance with § 51 of the Austrian Medical Act and retains them for at least ten years. Patients have the right to inspect their records and to receive copies; copies beyond a reasonable volume may be subject to a charge.
Once complete, findings are sent to patients through the patient portal, by post or, at their express request, by email. Unencrypted email is used only on express request and at the patient’s own risk. Findings are also stored in ELGA, the Austrian electronic health record, unless the patient has opted out via the ELGA portal.
Referring doctors receive the findings with the patient’s consent. Disclosure to third parties (insurers, employers, authorities) takes place only with a written release from the duty of confidentiality or where required by law.
Findings are not a substitute for a consultation. Where findings or treatment recommendations are unclear, please arrange an appointment to discuss them.
7. Data protection and contact
Health data is processed solely for treatment, invoicing and record-keeping. The details – legal bases, recipients, retention periods and your rights – are set out in the separate privacy policy, available on the website at www.dieneurologin.com/datenschutz and at the practice. These terms do not replace it.
Online booking and practice software: Appointment booking and patient administration are handled by Latido (Latido GmbH, Vienna) as a processor within the meaning of the GDPR. Patients receive appointment confirmations and reminders by email or SMS to the contact details they provide; reminders can be cancelled at any time.
Contact: The practice can be reached by telephone during opening hours; emails and messages through the patient portal are usually answered within two working days. Neither channel is suitable for emergencies.
In an acute emergency (e.g. sudden paralysis, difficulty speaking, loss of vision, a first seizure, the worst headache of your life), call the ambulance on 144 immediately.
Telemedicine: Video and telephone consultations are offered only where they are medically appropriate, and are held on a platform that meets data protection requirements. They are no substitute for a physical neurological examination.
8. Liability and final provisions
The practice is liable under the statutory provisions for damage caused intentionally or negligently. No limitation of liability applies to personal injury. Liability for items brought along, coats and valuables arises only in cases of gross fault. Liability for damage resulting from incomplete or incorrect information provided by patients is excluded.
Complaints can be addressed to the practice directly or to the Vorarlberg Patient Ombudsman: Patientenanwaltschaft Vorarlberg, Marktplatz 8, 6800 Feldkirch, tel. 05522 81553, anwalt@patientenanwalt-vbg.at. The statutory place of jurisdiction applies to disputes with consumers; the practice is not obliged to take part in alternative dispute resolution.
Austrian law applies. Should individual provisions be invalid, the remaining provisions remain in force. Changes to these terms are published on the website and apply to appointments arranged after publication.
This English version is a translation for convenience; the German version is authoritative.
Last updated: 25 October 2026 · Ordination Dr. Stephanie Hirschbichler · Landstraße 32, 6900 Bregenz · +43 5574 94101 · info@dieneurologin.com · www.dieneurologin.com