Ultrasound Referral Form

Important Information for Ultrasound Referral

Routine Ultrasound Referral:

Typically, ultrasound is performed on a non-emergency basis, and the results are communicated to the referring veterinarian in 1-2 business days. The referring veterinarian continues to act as supervising veterinarian for all aspects of patient care and client communication unless a transfer to AMC’s care is specifically requested by the referring veterinarian. All ultrasound images are sent via telemedicine for review by a boarded radiologist, and the case details are sent to an internal medicine specialist for consultation.

Emergency / Urgent Ultrasound Referral:

Occasionally, urgent ultrasound results are needed. Unfortunately, same-day telemedicine consultation results from the specialist cannot be guaranteed prior to 6 PM for patients arriving at AMC after 12 PM. All requests for same-day results require a separate telemedicine STAT fee which varies depending on the level of urgency required, regardless of the time of patient arrival. AMC will make every effort to accommodate same-day results requests for patients arriving after 12 PM, however all such requests must be accompanied by the referring veterinarian’s after-hours (including lunchtime) contact information. The referring veterinarian is also required to speak via phone with an AMC veterinarian prior to any emergency ultrasound referral. Complete case transfers for which AMC will take on care of the patient must be approved by an AMC veterinarian ahead of time. Patients must be stabilized medically prior to transfer. Transfer of cardiovascularly unstable patients is not possible and not recommended.

Communication of Results:

The referring veterinarian is responsible for communication of findings and treatment options to the client. If the referring veterinarian wishes AMC to communicate findings and treatment options to the client, a consultation fee will apply.

Client Instructions and Expectations:

Clipping of fur on the ventral abdomen and/or thorax should be expected. Patients should be fasted for 12 hours prior to ultrasound. Fasting is not required prior to emergency ultrasound. Water is allowed until the time of drop-off.

Diagnostics Prior to Referral:

3-view thoracic radiographs and 2-view abdominal radiographs are recommended in all cases prior to ultrasound. These radiographs can be performed prior to referral, or here at AMC. The cost of radiographs at AMC is approximately $130. Radiographs must be sent with the patient at the time of referral so that they can be sent out for telemedicine. Plain film radiographs cannot be submitted for telemedicine. Digital radiographs are required for submission. A complete minimum database, including CBC, chemistry and urinalysis, is recommended in all cases prior to ultrasound referral.

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