Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

What are your hours?

a.

Specialty Practice Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm
Emergency Services: 24 hours - 7 days-a-week

Q.

What are the fees?

a.

The cost varies, depending on the services your pet needs, the length of stay and other medical concerns, such as appropriate tests or medication. Please call the office(520-888-3177) and ask to speak to a client services representative, who can provide you with an idea of what the costs might be.

Q.

What should I bring to the consultation?

a.

• A copy of your pet's medical records and current blood work

• Radiographs (if applicable)

• Current Medications

• Your pet

Q.

What should I expect?

a.

New clients should arrive 20 minutes early to check in. A technician will obtain a brief medical history and your pet's vital signs. The veterinarian will examine your pet and discuss your pet's condition and further diagnostic and therapeutic options available. You will be provided with a cost estimate.

Q.

Do I need special instructions for appointments with the veterinary internists or for abdominal ultrasound?

a.

Yes. If you and your pet are attending an appointment with a veterinary internist or abdominal ultrasound, please do not feed your pet 12 hours prior to your appointment. Water is allowed up until the time you arrive at the hospital.

Q.

Do I need special instruction if my pet has diabetes?

a.

Yes. Please call for instructions.

Q.

How long will the appointment take? (Initials/rechecks)

a.

Dermatology: Initial: 45 minutes Recheck: 45 minutes
Ophthalmology: Initial: 15 minutes Recheck: 15 minutes
Diagnostic Imaging: Varies base on the diagnostic procedure. Please call for details
Internal Medicine: Initial: 1 hour Recheck: 30 minutes
Surgery: Initial: 45 minutes Recheck: 15 minutes
Oncology: Initial: 1 hour Recheck: 30 minutes
Dentistry: Initial: Varies on the diagnosis. Please call for details. Recheck: 15 min.
Emergency Exam: Wait time varies

Q.

Who do I talk to?

a.

Our receptionists will be able to answer many of your questions, but please understand that they are not medically trained. Whenever a receptionist cannot answer your questions, a veterinary technician or the doctor will be consulted so that your inquiry is properly answered.

Q.

What happens if my pet has to be admitted into the hospital?

a.

You will be presented with an estimate, which includes a release giving us consent to treat your pet. We require you to leave a deposit (60% of the estimated cost or $250, whichever is greater) at the time your pet is admitted into the hospital. If your pet is admitted for a procedure or critical care, the attending veterinarian will call you with an update each day. You are welcome to visit your pet every day.

Q.

What is your visitation policy?

a.

Visiting hours are available from 12 to 1 pm and 6 to 7 pm every day. Our goal is to allow the hospital to function in an orderly fashion as a whole and to ensure the level of patient care which is most desirable for each patient’s welfare and individual needs. We must also ensure the safety of staff, visitors and patients and reduce the risk of infectious disease exposure and transfer to visitors and patients.

OUR VISITATION POLICY IS:

• No more than two visitors per patient during a single visitation period.

• Visitors should limit their visit to fifteen minutes out of consideration to others who may want to utilize the exam rooms.

• The attending doctor has the authority to modify any visitation period during specific situations.

• In the event of an emergency, you may be asked to vacate the treatment area.

• All visits will take place in an exam room unless otherwise specified by the doctor on duty.

Q.

What happens when it is time for my pet to be discharged from the hospital?

a.

We recommend that specialty practice patients be picked up during regular business hours, weekdays 8 am - 5pm. If you pick up your pet during hours other than those listed, we cannot assure you of having contact with the doctor or technician familiar with your pet's case history. Emergency patients can be picked up at any time; however, we do ask that you notify us as to your arrival time so that we can assure your pet will be ready.

Q.

What payment plans do we offer?

a.

We offer a variety of payment options:

• Visa • MasterCard • Discover

• Check with picture ID

• Money Order

• Cashiers Check

• Cash

• In addition, there are two credit card options that are for veterinary purposes only: Care credit- a credit card through GE, that gives a 90 day interest free period of time to pay off the bill. Go to www.carecredit.com for more information.

• Wells Fargo- a line of credit through Wells Fargo Financial that is designated for use at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty only. This line of credit gives a 90 day interest free period of time to pay off the bill.