FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 UPDATE
What is a veterinary Specialist?
A board-certified veterinary specialist is "a veterinarian who has completed additional training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and has passed an examination that evaluates their knowledge and skills in that specialty area." (www.avma.org)
how do I make an appointment?
We strive to make scheduling an appointment as easy as possible. We operate on a referral basis, so a current referral from your pet's regular veterinarian is required to schedule an appointment. Once a referral is submitted, our staff member will process it and reach out to you to get your pet scheduled for an appointment.
Please be aware we typically cannot accommodate same day or next day appointments.
What can i expect during my visit?
For full consult appointments, one of our internal medicine specialists will evaluate radiographs and laboratory tests performed by your veterinarian and acquire a detailed history of the presenting problem. Your pet will receive a complete physical examination. Our doctors will then discuss any additional diagnostic procedures that are necessary for a comprehensive diagnosis. Most diagnostic tests can be performed during your initial visit. Some procedures, especially those requiring sedation or general anesthesia, may require you to schedule a second visit.
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For outpatient appointments, one of our internal medicine specialists will evaluate radiographs and laboratory tests performed by your veterinarian to acquire a detailed history of the presenting problem. They will then perform a complete physical exam and the scheduled diagnostics (abdominal ultrasound, echocardiogram, etc.). Once the diagnostic tests are complete, a staff member will bring your pet safely back to you. A detailed medical summary, which includes the ultrasound findings and recommendations, will be sent to your pet's regular veterinarian within 1-2 business days of the visit. Your regular veterinarian will then discuss the findings and recommendations with you.
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You will not be present during the ultrasound examination.
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Please visit our "What To Expect" page for more details.
HOw long will my visit take?
The initial visit including the consultation, physical examination, and diagnostic testing (ultrasound, ECG, etc) will take approximately 1 hour. If additional procedures are needed, especially those requiring sedation or anesthesia, a second visit may be needed.
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For our outpatient option, the appointment will take approximately 30-45 minutes in total. This will include the physical examination and diagnostic testing (ultrasound, ECG, etc).
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Will you contact my veterinarian with results?
For our full consult appointments, a comprehensive medical summary will be sent to you and your veterinarian within days of your pet's visit. We commonly work with your veterinarian for both short and long term follow up on your pet's care including future laboratory tests or other diagnostic procedures.
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For our outpatient appointments, a comprehensive medical summary will be sent directly to your veterinarian within 1-2 business days of your pet's visit. This medical summary will include diagnostic recommendations and findings for your veterinarian to discuss with you.
Will I be with my pet during the visit?
For our full consult appointments, we encourage you to remain with your pet during the history discussion and examination process. You will not be present during the ultrasound examination.
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Our outpatient appointments, we only allow your pet and our staff members in the ultrasound room. Outpatient appointments are quicker appointments, so we will return your pet safely back to you in about 30-45 minutes.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?
We recommend that you bring any current medications that you are giving to your pet as well as any laboratory results or radiographs that your veterinarian has asked you to provide to us.
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For the safety of your pet, please bring your dog on a leash with a well fitted harness or collar and your cat in a securely closed carrier.
What if my pet has a medical emergency?
At this time, WVR does not operate on an emergency basis so if your pet is experiencing a medical emergency please contact your regular veterinarian or a local emergency clinic.
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Local emergency clinic options:
-University of Georgia's Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Athens) (706) 542 - 3221
-Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialists (multiple locations throughout Georgia) (770) 277 - 8600
-Saint Francis Veterinary Specialists (Decatur) (404) 924 - 2000
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HOW MUCH WILL MY VISIT COST?
We are happy to provide you with an estimate for the planned services at the time you schedule your appointment or during the initial consultation visit. We accept cash, check, debit, and credit (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). Our office also accepts ScratchPay. However, pre-approval is needed prior to your pet's appointment.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
We do not offer payment plans. Payment is due in full at the time services are rendered.