Is PRP Treatment Available in Public Hospitals?

PRP therapy is available in some public hospitals in Turkey, mainly in the orthopedics and traumatology departments of training and research hospitals in larger cities, but it is not offered everywhere, and coverage by the national social security system (SGK) or any fees can differ between hospitals and over time. The most reliable first step is an orthopedic examination, followed by confirming the current practice directly with the hospital.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy uses plasma rich in platelets, obtained from the patient’s own blood, which is injected into damaged tissue to support the healing process. It has become increasingly common in orthopedics and traumatology, especially for sports injuries, cartilage damage and tendon disorders. One of the questions patients ask most often is whether PRP treatment can be obtained in a public hospital. Below we explain the general situation, how the referral process works, which department performs PRP and what to keep in mind before deciding on treatment.

Is PRP available in public hospitals?

In Turkey, PRP is predominantly offered in private healthcare facilities and university hospitals. Public hospitals can also provide it, but they face various challenges in expanding and standardizing the treatment. The main reasons include the cost of PRP preparation systems, contractual agreements with device suppliers and resource limitations tied to health policy.

Nevertheless, particularly in large cities, training and research hospitals with orthopedics and traumatology departments may offer PRP, and patients who meet the appropriate indication criteria can be scheduled for treatment. Availability varies by city and by hospital: one hospital may offer it while another in the same city does not. Asking the hospital’s orthopedic department directly is more dependable than relying on lists found online.

Does social security cover PRP?

There is no single answer to this question. Whether PRP is reimbursed, for which conditions and under what terms depends on current health regulations, the type of hospital and the period in which the treatment is given. Some hospitals may provide it under specific conditions, others may charge an additional fee, and some may not offer it at all.

• Ask the hospital’s patient services or billing office about current coverage.
• During your consultation, ask your doctor how the recommended treatment is handled at that institution.
• Check official SGK announcements for up-to-date information.

We do not share fee information here, because costs change between institutions and over time, and medical suitability should come before price in any treatment decision.

Which department performs PRP?

For musculoskeletal problems, PRP is most often evaluated by orthopedics and traumatology. In some centers, physical medicine and rehabilitation or sports medicine clinics may also plan the treatment. Hair and skin applications belong to other specialties such as dermatology; this article focuses on joints, tendons and muscles.

Which orthopedic conditions may be considered for PRP?

In orthopedics and sports medicine, PRP is one of the options that may be considered for:

• Tendon injuries, tendonitis and tendinopathies
• Cartilage damage and early-stage osteoarthritis
• Tissue repair following sports injuries
• Muscle and ligament injuries
• Joint problems such as those affecting the knee and hip
• Supporting healing after arthroscopic surgery

In public hospitals, orthopedic specialists may refer patients with these conditions for PRP after evaluation, taking into account both the patient’s clinical situation and the hospital’s resources. To learn more about the method itself, see our article what PRP therapy is and how it differs from stem cells.

Public versus private hospitals

PRP tends to be more limited and selective in public hospitals, mainly because of cost control and efficient use of resources. In the private sector it is more widely available and appointments are usually quicker.

• Access: not every public hospital offers PRP, and waiting times can be long.
• Fees: private clinics usually charge for the procedure; in public hospitals the terms vary by institution and period.
• Method: the preparation system, whether ultrasound guidance is used and the session plan can differ from center to center.

Whatever the setting, the deciding factor is whether your condition is actually suitable for PRP.

How does the referral process work?

Patients who want PRP in a public hospital should first visit the orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinic. The process usually looks like this:

1. An appointment is booked with the orthopedic clinic through the national appointment system or the hospital.
2. Your complaints, range of motion and areas of tenderness are examined.
3. X-ray, ultrasound or MRI may be requested if needed.
4. If your doctor considers PRP appropriate, a treatment plan and session intervals are set.

Healthcare professionals explain that PRP does not work in every case and that results depend on individual factors. In some public hospitals PRP may only be offered within a specific program or as part of clinical research, so it is worth calling the relevant department before your visit. We discuss the number of sessions separately in how many PRP sessions are usually needed.

Effects and risks of PRP

Because the injected plasma comes entirely from your own blood, PRP is generally considered a safe treatment with limited side effects. The risk of allergic reaction or transmitted infection is very low. Mild pain, swelling or discomfort at the injection site may last a few days, and as with any injection, the risk of infection is very low but not zero.

Response to PRP depends on factors such as age, the type and duration of the injury and the treatment protocol. More favorable results are reported in early-stage sports injuries and joint damage. Studies suggest PRP may support tissue healing in tendon injuries and, in some patients with osteoarthritis, reduce pain and improve function; however, results vary from person to person, and the treatment is not suitable for everyone.

When should you see an orthopedic specialist?

Before searching for where PRP is offered, it is important to identify the source of your pain. See an orthopedic specialist without delay if you notice:

• Joint or tendon pain that has not settled after a few weeks or keeps getting worse
• Marked swelling, locking or a feeling of the knee giving way
• Inability to bear weight or walk after an injury
• Pain that wakes you at night, fever or redness over a joint

After examination and the necessary tests, your doctor can tell whether PRP is a reasonable option or whether physical therapy, medication or surgery is more appropriate. At Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat’s clinic, any plan involving cellular therapies such as PRP and stem cells is made individually after this assessment.

In summary

• PRP is offered in some public hospitals, mostly in orthopedic departments of training and research hospitals, but not in all of them.
• Social security coverage and fees vary by institution and over time; confirm current details with the hospital and SGK.
• The route is through an orthopedic outpatient clinic, and the decision is based on examination and tests.

This article is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment decisions are made individually after examination and the necessary tests.