How to schedule an appointment?
Veterinary teams only– call, text, or email whenever you are ready to schedule or have questions.
Complete the ‘Consult Request Form‘ then email all pertinent medical records and diagnostic results to: [email protected]. Our team will call to finalize appointment details.
Lastly, download the informational document detailing the visit as well as the client informational and consent form to share with the pet owners. All consent forms need to be completed prior to the appointment.
How do you decide between “ultrasound only” and “consult and ultrasound”?
This is a great question! This is chosen based upon the individual pet’s needs.
A consult is often elected in cases where pet owners would like to have more face time with Dr. Aldridge to ask questions and discuss plans moving forward OR when the case itself is more complicated or involved. A consult allows for more opportunity to catch subtle details of the case (through history taking from the pet owners and the physical examination) that can be helpful in case management.
What is included with “ultrasound only” vs. “consult and ultrasound”?
“Ultrasound only” includes: Review of the recent medical record, the ultrasound itself, brief discussion of the findings and plan with the pet owners, in-depth discussion between Dr. Aldridge and the family veterinarian regarding ultrasound findings and additional management recommendations. A detailed plan is created that the family veterinarian will then take over.
“Consult” –The consult builds on the above by offering an extensive discussion of historical findings with the owners, a physical examination of the pet, and more direct involvement in the implementation of additional diagnostics and treatments.
Who continues to manage the patients after the initial consultation with Dr. Aldridge?
The family veterinarian remains the primary point of contact and care for the patient, consulting with Dr. Aldridge as needed during the course of therapy.
In some instances, initial diagnostics lead to recommendation for surgical intervention or consultation with an oncologist.
In other instances, initial therapy may lead to resolution of the problem.
For those pets dealing with chronic illness, response to treatment and severity of illness may lead to the recommendation for management with an internist in a specialty facility.
Who are the best candidates for mobile services over being seen in a specialty facility?
Mobile services are ideal for:
–Patients who need a quick answer that ultrasound is likely to give (is there an intestinal foreign body, is there a mass present, does the murmur require treatment) or where a single consultation can help guide a diagnostic and treatment plan.
–Clients who wish to remain in the comfort of their family veterinarian’s clinic.
–Stable disease where the family veterinarian feels comfortable managing treatment with the continued support of an internist.
They are not ideal for:
Unstable cases (cases requiring treatment in an ICU).
Patients with severe disease that requires advanced interventional treatments/procedures and intensive monitoring.
Patients with multiple concurrent disease processes that require frequent and/or more intensive monitoring.
What is needed the day of the appointment?
This information is found in the referring veterinarian and client informational forms found on the “Documents for Download” page.
This includes completion of all consent forms and fasting as directed for abdominal ultrasounds and procedures. Fasting not required for echocardiograms alone unless sedation is likely required/anticipated.
How is payment handled?
Our team bills directly to the family veterinarian with payment expected at the time services are rendered.
Are there cancellation fees?
Yes. Appointments cancelled within 36 hours of the scheduled time will incur a cancellation fee.