• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Conference Coverage
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

AAHA guide to smooth referrals (Supported by Nestlé Purina, Pfizer Animal Health, and the Veterinary Specialty Practice Alliance)

January 1, 2008

To help bridge the communication gap between primary care veterinarians and specialists, the AAHA developed practical referral guidelines for companian animal practices.

To help bridge the communication gap between primary care veterinarians and specialists, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) developed practical referral guidelines for companion animal practices. Created by a diverse task force, including primary care veterinarians, private practice specialists, and practice management experts, the guidelines are intended to enhance teamwork among veterinary professionals so they can provide the highest quality of care for pets.

Advertisement

Separated into referring and receiving responsibilities, the AAHA Referral Guidelines take veterinarians through the referral process step-by-step. Beginning with pre-referral responsibilities, the guidelines outline exactly what both primary care veterinarians and specialists need to consider and communicate to each other and the client, such as:

  • The severity and needs of a patient: Is a referral needed, and who is best suited to receive the referral?

  • Patient history: Does the receiving veterinarian want a detailed or summarized history?

  • Clients' requests: Both parties should honor any request by the client for a second opinion.

  • Financial considerations: What is the estimated cost of a referral?

  • Time considerations: Is the receiving veterinarian able to take on the referral in a timely manner?

  • Transfer of the patient back to the primary care veterinarian: How should specialists return an animal to the primary care veterinarian after referral services are complete?

The guidelines continue to cover both the primary care veterinarian and the specialist's responsibilities during and following the referral, specifically focusing on communication. During the referral process, both partnering veterinarians must keep each other and the client updated on their actions. Who will provide which services and why should be established and explained to the client. The veterinarians are also responsible for informing each other of any change in the patient's health or the client's wishes. If a client expresses concern or requests a second referral to the specialist, the primary care veterinarian should be alerted immediately. To check out the full version of the AAHA Referral Guidelines, go to http://www.aahanet.org

Related Content:

Leadership & Personal Growth
The significance of Women's History Month
The significance of Women's History Month
3 generations of inspiration
3 generations of inspiration
Female veterinary surgeon spotlights women who inspire her
Female veterinary surgeon spotlights women who inspire her

Advertisement

Latest News

Kentucky Humane Society with Louisville Metro Animal Services to host mega adoption event

San Diego Zoo celebrates Andean bear cub twins

Spring’s pet toxins have sprung

IBPSA and Zoundz Music for Pets team up to reduce pet anxiety in pet care facilities

View More Latest News
Advertisement