Understanding Your Emergency Visit to WVRC
A trip to the Emergency Room can be stressful and confusing if you don’t know what to expect. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions to help make your experience at the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center little less uncertain.
What Happens When We Arrive at WVRC?
A trained technician will perform an initial assessment and/or brief examination to determine whether or not your pet is in stable condition. This is called Triage. Pets determined to be in stable condition may remain with you until a veterinarian is available. Less stable or critical animals will be moved immediately to the treatment area of the hospital (which is closed to anyone other than staff) for further evaluation and treatment.
How Long Will I Have To Wait For A Veterinarian?
Because we are an emergency facility, we can not take appointments like your primary veterinarian does. This can often mean a longer wait to see a doctor than you may be used to. Patients are treated in order of severity, with critical and unstable patients being assessed and treated first before moving forward with other patients. Be assured however, that each pet and client will be treated with the same thorough care when it is your time to see the doctor.
What Happens If My Pet Needs To Be Admitted To The Hospital?
We know you may be feeling anxious about leaving your pet – we have doctors and technical staff in the hospital around the clock to provide the best possible care.
What Forms Of Payment Does WVRC Accept?
We will provide you an estimate for the care of your pet, at which time you will be asked to make an initial payment for the lower end of the estimate. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal checks and cash. Interest-free and low-interest financing options are also offered through CareCredit (Brochures available at the Front Desk).
Can I Receive Updates On My Pet?
Absolutely! Please feel free to ask at any time. Our Doctors or technical staff will provide you with information as soon as they are able to step away from treatment of patients. Clients will be notified immediately if their pet becomes critical or remains unstable.
Can I Visit My Pet?
We understand how concerned you are when your pet is in the hospital and we encourage your visit. By calling ahead, we can let you know if your pet is due for any treatments or if there are other patient procedures in progress and give you the most convenient time to stop in and avoid waiting.
Does WVRC Work Directly With My Veterinarian?
Your veterinarian entrusts us with the care of your pet when they are unavailable. We provide updates, both verbal and written, and work closely with them to manage your pet’s care. Because of that trust, we do not have home telephone numbers or special access to your veterinarian after-hours.
What Happens When It Is Time For My Pet To Come Home?
As your pet gets well, we want you to be comfortable with the caring process. So before release, we will have one of our veterinary technicians review all of the home care instructions with you—including bandage and incision care, as well as how to give medications. Please ask as many questions as you like. We’ll give you a copy of the detailed discharge instructions to take home, plus a complete copy of your pet’s medical record.
Will My Veterinarian Get Copies Of My Pet’s Records?
Following a visit to WVRC, a complete copy of your pet’s record will be faxed to your veterinarian. Any x-rays, ultrasound or CT images will be made available online through our unique Eklin remote image access, allowing your veterinarian to view them at any time. We understand how stressful and difficult an emergency experience with your pet can be. Please let us know if there is anything more we can do to help you through this difficult time.
