Referring Veterinarians
As a referring veterinarian, you can rest assured that your patients will receive exceptional, compassionate, and technically advanced veterinary care at the AHC. We offer you and our patients top-notch diagnostics, treatments and surgeries, and we make it a point to communicate with our referring veterinarians throughout the process to ensure optimal care. You will be sent a copy of the patient’s medical records at the time of discharge, and we will do our best to keep you up-to-date on the case while the patient is in our care.
At the same time, we recognize that our mutual clients’ needs are just as important, so our team makes every effort to answer any and all questions an owner may have regarding their pet’s condition/illness. We want clients to know the cooperation and teamwork between their referring veterinarian and our personnel provide the best possible outcome in securing the best possible quality of life for their pet.
Owners, Payment Overview
The Animal Health Center accepts many payment types, including cash, check, credit card\debit payments, as well as the payment options we offer through CareCredit. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We do not accept payments directly from insurance companies, however, we are glad to provide the information needed for your claims.
Once a course of treatment has been decided upon for your pet, a deposit will be collected. Upon discharge, your remaining balance will be collected, and you will receive instructions for proper home care for your pet. At this same time, your regular veterinarian will be sent a copy of your pet’s case summary and recommendations for care.
If you have questions about the patient intake form or need clarification about our payment policies, just give us a call 24/7 at (662) 325-1351, and we will be glad to assist you!
Owners, What to Expect When You Arrive
- When you arrive at the AHC, you will be asked to complete some forms. If your referring veterinarian has not already sent the medical records and radiographs, the admissions staff will contact him or her to obtain them. Once the information is entered and the pertinent paperwork printed, a veterinary student will typically escort you into a private waiting and exam area.
- Be advised that to protect our patients from infectious disease, all animals admitted to our hospital should be current in their vaccination schedules. For boarding, if vaccinations are overdue, boosters will be given. For equine patients, a negative Coggins certificate is required.
- The student will obtain a thorough history of your pet’s medical condition and conduct a physical exam. Please feel free to ask any questions along the way. You will also meet your clinician(s), who will likely do a brief exam and have additional questions for you.
- After completing the history and physical exams, the medical team will discuss a diagnostic and/or treatment plan for your pet. Before the next steps are taken, they will discuss the plan in detail with you and provide a written estimate of charges to determine the course of action that is right for you and your pet.
- After a course of action is decided, a monetary deposit will be collected. When diagnostic tests are needed for your pet, you are welcome to remain in our lobby. Our admissions staff will be happy to assist you by providing dining suggestions and ideas for activities to help pass the time. The student assigned to your pet will contact you via your preferred method at an agreed-upon timeframe (likely early evening due to the clinic schedule) to let you know the progress made with your pet. Sometimes treatments and testing will necessitate an overnight stay or additional day(s) in the hospital. Depending on the situation, your pet may be able to leave the hospital with you and return the next day.
- Upon discharge, your remaining balance will be collected, and you will receive instructions to ensure the correct home care plan is followed. At the same time, your pet’s case summary and recommendations will be sent to your regular veterinarian. We are more than glad to answer your questions or to discuss any concerns you have before you leave. We know open lines of communication are vital to your pet’s good health.