Frequently Asked Questions

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Why would someone choose to do a teleconsult over an in-person consult with a Veterinary Oncologist?

Teleconsulting is a good option for people who:
– Live a long distance from an oncologist
– Unsure if they want to see an oncologist, but want more information
– Prefer the accessibility and convenience of seeing an oncologist at their trusted, family vet’s clinic
– Do not want to wait to get into the physical oncologist office because this can take several weeks to months in some areas
– Want to start chemotherapy treatments, and are able to get in quicker with one of our partner oncologists following the consultation with Pet Cancer Care Consulting

Do I need a diagnosis of cancer to have a video consultation?

A diagnosis is ideal as this guides the consultation discussion. If a diagnosis is not obtained, then general discussion can be done about different diseases and recommendations of further testing with the current veterinarian.

Does a local veterinarian need to be involved to have the video consultation?

Yes. We work with the family veterinarian who has done a physical exam and has an established Veterinary Client Patient Relationship which is essential for determining testing and treatments as well as prescribing medications. Your vet does not have to be present for the entire consultation and only needed for a few minutes.

If you do not have a vet, or if you would like a video consultation with us but your current vet is not interested, please contact us and we can try to connect you with one of our established family vets.

Can video consultations be done at my home?

It is ideal to have consultations done at your vet’s office so an exam can be done on your pet and if you are already at your vet’s office, then you can conveniently decide to do testing or treatments at that time. There are some situations were consultations can be done from home with the oncologist and vet clinic all participating on the Zoom call.

If you do not have a vet, or if you would like a video consultation with us but your current vet is not interested, please contact us and we can try to connect you with one of our established family vets.

How do you pay for a consultation?

Once the vet clinic schedules an appointment with Pet Cancer Care Consulting through the Vet Portal, they will receive an invoice. The cost is then forwarded on to the pet owner similar to any other outside lab fees. It is recommended to have the pet owner pay for the consultation in advance to help ensure they are coming to the appointment.

How long is the video consultation?

The oncologist will briefly review the pet’s condition and physical exam with the family vet which will take approximately 15 minutes. The live video consultation including the pet owners will then occur and this can take up to 45 minutes. This time frame can vary depending on the disease, testing, and treatment options, as well as owner questions.

Are there any documents I need to fill out before the consultation?

Yes, all pet owners will need to fill out the Informed Consent Form.

Once a video consultation is done, can my pet continue care with just the oncologist?

The oncologist provides valuable information and guidance on your pet’s disease, but testing and therapy must be pursued through the family veterinarian as regular physical exams and routine testing cannot be done remotely with the oncologist. The oncologist works as a team with your family veterinarian and not without them. The oncologist can stay involved in your pet’s care if you choose by purchasing a monthly subscription or pay per question which both can be done by your family vet through the website portal.

We also work with other oncologists to help facilitate quicker appointments to start treatment following the video consultation with Pet Cancer Care Consulting. Ask us if we work with an oncologist in your area.

What happens after the video consultation?

Following the consultation, it is recommended to talk with your family veterinarian to determine which next steps are best for your pet. This may be continuing testing or care with your family vet or seeing a specialist in person. Follow-up with the oncologist can be done through purchase of a detailed treatment plan, pay per follow-up, or monthly subscription. A recheck video consultation with the oncologist can also be purchased and recommended after additional tests and/or treatments to monitor how your pet is doing over time. Depending on the cancer, this could be in one or three months from the first consultation.

How long does it take to get the reports?

We work fast, so the reports summarizing the consultation will be accessible in the portal in 1-2 business days.

How do you access the consultation notes and handouts?

The consultation summary and handouts will all be posted in the portal within 1-2 business days from the consult. Emails will be sent to both the pet owner and vet clinic when these documents are posted in the portal.

What if the owner does not show up for the appointment?

We understand that unforeseen issues happen. Bookings may be canceled with up to 48-hour notice. Inside of 48 hours we are unable to provide a refund. Family vet clinics should collect payment for the consult and use of their facility at the time of booking.

How much does it cost?

The cost of services vary from state to state and are based on many factors. Speak to your family vet for pricing.

Will I work with the same oncologist the whole time?

For continuity of care, we strive to have the same oncologist involved with the same pet. When that is not possible, rest assured that Pet Cancer Care Consulting utilizes only board certified veterinary oncologists to serve you.