Frequently Asked Questions at North Georgia Veterinary Specialists

Q: What does board-certified veterinary specialists mean?

A: A board-certified veterinary specialist has completed extensive training after college, including four years of veterinary school, a one-year internship, and a two- to three-year residency in a specialty. The veterinarian must also publish original research. Once all the educational requirements to become a specialist have been completed, as determined by various specialty colleges, a national certifying examination is taken. On passing the board certification examination, the veterinarian is granted Diplomate status, signifying his or her expertise and credentials in a chosen specialty.

A primary care or family veterinarian has completed college and four years of veterinary school and focuses on general preventive care and pet wellness. They refer to and partner with veterinary specialists when pets have complex injuries or illnesses.

Q: Can I bring my pet to NGVS for regular care?

A: As a specialty practice, NGVS doesn’t provide primary care such as vaccinations, neutering, or preventive medicine/wellness checkups. Rather, we partner with your family veterinarian to provide veterinary specialist health care for your pet. If you don’t have a primary care veterinarian, here’s a list of local practitioners from which you can choose.

Q: If I think my pet needs to see a veterinary specialist, can I just call NGVS to schedule an appointment?

A: We are a specialty referral hospital, which means that the pets we treat must be referred by your family veterinarian for specialty care.  A referral from your primary care veterinarian is needed to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinary specialists. NGVS acts as an extension of your primary care veterinarian by providing specialty services when needed. Your primary care veterinarian knows your pet’s medical history and is in the best position to determine if your pet needs advanced medical care. If your veterinarian detects conditions that require advanced or specialty care, he or she will refer you to one of our veterinary specialists. No referral is ever necessary for emergency care, however, and we’re open 24/7.

Q: How does NGVS work with my primary care veterinarian?

A: We work in partnership with your primary care veterinarian. We’ll often discuss your pet’s situation with your family veterinarian in advance of any consultation or treatment we provide. We always send a written report to your family veterinarian after any consultation or treatment (you also get a copy of this report) and are available to answer any questions he or she might have. And your pet always returns to your family veterinarian for ongoing care.

Q: Why would my pet need a specialist?

A: Just as in human medicine, pets are referred to a veterinary specialist when they need advanced services not available at their primary care veterinarian’s office or if a second opinion on treating complicated injuries or diseases is appropriate.

Q: What do I do if my pet is experiencing an emergency?

A: At North Georgia Veterinary Specialists, we work with your primary care veterinarian to provide 24-hour emergency care for pets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your primary care veterinarian first. If your vet’s office is closed or cannot handle the emergency, bring your pet directly to NGVS. You don’t need a referral to treat your pet in our emergency room. You will, however, be required to continue the treatment of your pet’s condition by your primary care veterinarian unless it is determined by all parties involved that it is in your pet’s best interest to be transferred to the care of one of our specialists.

Q: How do I get a referral?

A: Ask your primary care veterinarian for a referral. After your veterinarian calls, faxes, or emails the referral, we’ll call you to make an appointment.

Q: My pet is having surgery – what can I expect?

A: Since procedures vary, your pet’s surgeon will review the details of your pet’s surgery in advance, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and can ask questions. Your pet cannot have any food after 9 pm the evening before. Water is ok. We’ll try to give you a realistic estimate of when your pet will have his/her procedure. However, emergencies or additional procedures on other pets may mean your pet’s procedure will be delayed well into the day. We’ll call you with a status report when your pet is out of the operating room and recovering. You’re welcome to visit your pet if your pet is going to be hospitalized for a prolonged time after surgery.

Q: What can I expect at my pet’s first rehabilitation appointment?

A: Your pet’s first rehabilitation appointment will be a comprehensive evaluation, and it takes about an hour. The therapist will take a detailed history of your pet’s problems and limitations, perform a physical exam, formulate an individualized rehabilitation plan, and discuss that care plan with you. Some hands-on treatment may also be provided at this first appointment.

Q: How much do services cost at NGVS?

A: For an emergency visit, there is a $155 emergency consultation fee. Specialty appointments are $145 to $195, depending on the specialty. This is for the initial consultation only. Any diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications are additional, and payment is due at the time of service). If your pet is admitted to the hospital, we’ll provide you with an itemized estimate of the anticipated charges, and a deposit of the low end of that estimate is required for hospitalization. Payment of the balance is due at the time of discharge.

Q: What are my payment options?

A: We accept cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards. We also offer third-party payment plans, such as CareCredit, that give you flexible ways of paying for your pet’s healthcare services over a variable period, with variable interest rates to fit your budget. Please call for more information.