Section 7: Teleconsultation to Enhance Access to Care
In This Resource:
Top 3 Takeaways
- Consider integrating teleconsulting routinely into practice for cases that may benefit from specialty care.
- Teleconsultation can help reduce client frustration over long wait times for referral appointments by helping PCTs with case management in the interim.
- Teleconsultation can offer many benefits, including timely advice, continuity of care, and expanded service offerings within the practice.
Teleconsultation (Table 7.1) involves direct communication between the PCT and SCT to discuss the specifics of a case. It allows primary care veterinarians to seek expert advice, collaborate on cases, and obtain guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients from veterinary specialists. Typically, clients pay the initial cost of teleconsulting, and follow-up teleconsultation fees can also be integrated into the fee structure. Ultimately, teleconsulting may reduce client costs and frustration over long referral wait times. Teleconsultation can provide more information on possible differentials and approaches and offer suggestions for further testing, empirical treatment, and/or medication adjustments while waiting for the referral appointment.
TABLE 7.1: Benefits of Teleconsultation
| Enhanced patient care through access to specialized expertise |
| Timely advice and guidance for complex cases |
| Reduced need for referrals, saving time and travel costs for clients |
| Continuity of care within the primary care veterinarian’s practice |
| Professional development opportunities for primary care veterinarians |
| Improved client satisfaction and loyalty |
| Increased efficiency in diagnosis & treatment planning |
| Expansion of service offerings within the practice, leading to potential revenue growth |
| Facilitation of interdisciplinary approaches to patient management, ensuring comprehensive care |
| Greater collaboration between specialists and primary care veterinarians that fosters mutual learning and skill enhancement |
Teleconsulting improves access to veterinary care, helping to ensure pets receive timely and appropriate interventions regardless of geographical limitations. In areas with limited access to specialists or if clients cannot appear in person because of physical and/or financial constraints, teleconsulting can fill the gap by helping PCTs manage cases. By involving teleconsultants, the PCT can offer clients reassurance and confidence in the care being provided to their pets and address any hesitations pet caregivers feel about pursuing treatment and referral.
PCTs could consider integrating teleconsulting for cases that may benefit from specialty care. In situations where clients may prefer not to visit a specialist in person, teleconsultation can enhance the PCT’s ability to manage complex cases, thereby improving patient outcomes and client satisfaction.
The 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines are generously supported by CareCredit.
