The Process

Referring veterinarians are encouraged to include a treatment plan for the care of their patient. Western Carolina Veterinary Emergency Hospital will do our best to follow the treatment plan. We will discuss with the referring veterinarian any variations in the treatment plan that we feel are necessary for the well-being of the patient.

In order to serve our shared clients and patients best, we ask that all referring DVMs please:

• Call the hospital and request to speak with the veterinarian on shift (828-697-7767)
• Fax the patient’s medical record and laboratory reports (828-697-7769)
• Have the client bring any radiographs of the patient.

Communication is the Key

Our veterinarian who receives the patient will call to discuss the case either after the visit or the next morning for those patients presenting at night. For those patients who require twenty-four hour care, we will give the referring veterinarian follow up reports. The referring veterinarian is welcome to call for an update at any time.

Records

Patient records will be faxed to the referring veterinarian upon resolution of the case. The client will also receive a copy of the medical record upon discharge from the hospital. Digital radiographs or ultrasound reports will be given to the client to bring to the referring veterinarian’s office.

Options for Follow-Up Care

WCVEH will refer all patients back to the family veterinarian. If a patient is too critically ill to travel, or if the client is unable to pick up, we will continue to manage the case until resolution.