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FAQs
A: A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has devoted his or her veterinary career to practice within a specific field, while still maintaining his or her proficiency in general medicine. There are currently more than 35 veterinary specialities recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
While you are certainly welcome to come directly to ACC&IM for your pet’s needs, many of our clients are usually referred to us by their primary veterinarian.
ACC&IM’s specialists have first earned their undergraduate college degrees, then completed an intensive 4-year training program administered by their respective colleges of veterinary medicine. Following veterinary college graduation and successful completion of their board examinations, earning them the title of Veterinarian, they have completed an additional 1 year training program called an ‘internship’ then another 4 years of specialty-specific training in the field of their choice.
Following this training, each of our specialists has successfully passed a board examination administered by their respective specialty college to become a ‘Diplomate’ of the college.
ACC&IM’s doctors are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (Drs. Diehl, Mineo, Najman, Seshadri and Walters), and of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Dr. Duesberg). Dr. Chung has completed her residency program in small animal internal medicine, but is not yet board certified by the College. Dr. Seshadri is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (for feline and canine practice).
Each of our specialists have years of clinical experience handling complicated cases, and have published articles reviewing patient management protocols and research reports involving hospital patients that they have cared for in private practice. This is just one way they give back to the veterinary community.
A: If you are concerned about your pet's diagnosis or care and are not sure if a referral to an ACC&IM doctor is indicated, please speak with your primary care veterinarian about the possibility of a referral. We will be happy to discuss your pet’s condition with your primary veterinarian to determine if a referral is indicated.
A: ACC&IM doctors provide emergency services for pets with symptoms of illness 24 hours a days, 7 days a week. If your pet requires emergency care at ACC&IM and you have not already established a relationship with a primary care veterinarian, we will be happy to care for your pet until he or she can be discharged home, or will be happy to work with a veterinarian of your choice to arrange a transfer of your pet’s care to their facility.
Given the scope of our practice, ACC&IM doctors do not provide basic care such as vaccinations, spays/neuters, preventative annual physical exams, etc., unless requested by your primary care veterinarian.
A: Please navigate to Our Services page for a description of the most commonly-provided services offered at ACC&IM.
A: While our doctors are occasionally called upon directly by pet owners to consult and provide a second opinion about their pet’s diagnosis or care, ACC&IM doctors prefer to work directly with your pet’s primary veterinarian to arrange a referral examination/consultation. This is done to be sure that we receive all of the necessary information to allow us to provide the best care for your pet, and will allow us to work with your veterinarian in a team-oriented approach to your pet’s care.
A: The doctors at ACC&IM are available 24/7 to discuss your pet’s care with your primary veterinarian even before a decision is made to refer your pet to one of our doctors. With this communication link, we can be sure that the proper diagnostics, treatments and care are considered and discussed in advance.
During your pet’s care, your ACC&IM doctor will update your primary veterinarian daily with new results, medical updates and progress reports.
When your pet is discharged from ACC&IM, we make follow-up recommendations to your primary veterinarian to help plan your pet’s long-term care, continued through your primary care hospital. In some cases, your primary veterinarian will request that one of our doctors carry out your pet’s long-term management for a particular condition, while they maintain your pet’s preventative and general care.
A: We understand how difficult and stressful it can be when your pet is hospitalized, so we encourage you to call at any time. If a doctor is unavailable to speak with you at that moment, you are welcome to get a clinical update from a technician. Only doctors or doctor’s assistants will give medical updates.
Please be advised that morning doctor’s rounds are held between 8am and 10am and evening rounds are held between 6pm and 8pm. Therefore, the doctors will be unavailable to speak with you during these times as they complete rounds on each of the in-house patients.
If you need to call to obtain test results, please note that technicians, doctor’s assistants, and receptionists are not able to interpret test results. We appreciate your understanding that only doctors can interpret results and give you medical advice or describe the meanings of the test results. Please be aware that test results are faxed to your primary care veterinarian so that they will have this information available in your pet’s permanent record.
A: We understand that you want to make your pet’s stay in the hospital as comfortable as possible, and that is our goal as well. However, due to the high number of patients we see, it is very difficult to ensure that personal belongings are returned to you when your pet is discharged. To avoid loss of leashes and collars, blankets, etc. we ask that you keep them with you. If they are left behind, we cannot guarantee they will be returned to you. We have plenty of blankets, pillows and other items to ensure your pet will be as comfortable as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
A: Our visiting hours are from 10am to 10pm. For security reasons, we do not allow visitors between 10pm and 10am. To ensure our patient care is not delayed, we ask that visits are limited to 15 minutes. Please call ahead before visiting, so that we may inform you of any potential waiting times. We must give priority to incoming emergencies, so there may be a bit of a wait if you visit during a particularly busy time.
A: Every case is unique, so our doctors will provide you with an estimate for treatment once they have examined your pet and consulted with you regarding the treatment options. The estimate range for the cost of treatment will be based on the particular needs of your pet.
The lower end of the estimate range is created to anticipate the required initial diagnostics (blood tests, radiographs, ultrasounds, etc.) and treatment for your pet as it appears appropriate based on your pet’s initial presenting signs and information. This lower end amount is the deposit required at the time your pet is admitted to the hospital. The higher end of the estimate range is created to allow for the treatment of your pet during the expected length of stay as indicated on the estimate. As we cannot predict your pet’s exact response to treatment (since each patient is different), please note that this is only an estimate, and it may need to be modified as test results are received, and as necessary changes are made to your pet’s treatment plan. We will do our best to keep you informed of any financial changes, and provide a revised estimate as indicated. Please feel free to call anytime for an update on your financial situation.
A: We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, personal checks, and Care Credit (click to apply online for the 6 month interest free plan OR 48 month extended payment plan with a minimum charge of $1000). Our receptionists will provide you with additional information about the Care Credit program and even help you apply for this credit while you wait. This credit line may be used at other participating veterinary hospitals as well as human hospitals and dental practices.
If you are unable to pay for services yourself, it is possible to arrange for a friend or relative to pay the amount due. However, for security and fraud prevention reasons, the cardholder must present his or her credit card and photo ID to ACC&IM in person.
Payment is required at the time of service; we do not do billing, nor accept partial payments or post-dated checks.
A: Our services are performed and charged for independently of any other hospital or practice within the Advanced Veterinary Specialty Group of practices in this complex. If another group performs a service for a patient in our care, that group will bill you for that service, and payment should be made directly to them.
A: Refunds are issued the same way the deposit was made – so, credit card refunds can be processed immediately. If the deposit was made by a check, ACC&IM will issue a refund check within 3 weeks after the check deposit was made. Cash refunds will be issued either in cash or by company check, depending on the amount to be refunded.