Switching Vets

[aweitzm1]

If you need to switch Vets but nothing is wrong with your dog do you still make an appt.? I am getting really frustrated with my Vet's staff about billing and receiving information. For Instance, they will not send me my dog's medical records or give me detailed invoices. It makes it really hard to submit for reimbursement through insurance. I also find them very rude when I ask questions. I found a Vet that is closer to me and who happens to be cheaper. The staff was very friendly on the phone when I called and answered all my questions in detail. I am actually going to be meeting the doctor this Sunday where he is volunteering to administer low cost vaccines. Boomer and Thumper really have no issues that needs a Vet visit but I would like to establish a relationship with him. Should I just make an appt. for them to be checked out?

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

If you need to switch Vets but nothing is wrong with your dog do you still make an appt.? I am getting really frustrated with my Vet's staff about billing and receiving information. For Instance, they will not send me my dog's medical records or give me detailed invoices. It makes it really hard to submit for reimbursement through insurance. I also find them very rude when I ask questions. I found a Vet that is closer to me and who happens to be cheaper. The staff was very friendly on the phone when I called and answered all my questions in detail. I am actually going to be meeting the doctor this Sunday where he is volunteering to administer low cost vaccines. Boomer and Thumper really have no issues that needs a Vet visit but I would like to establish a relationship with him. Should I just make an appt. for them to be checked out?

My opinion I would make an appointment for a meet and greet , so the New Vet can meet your babies. You may have to pay a fee, but to me it would worth it.

AS for that other Vet that refuses to give you the info that you need that is so wrong and quite frankly I think they have to give it to you.

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

My opinion I would make an appointment for a meet and greet , so the New Vet can meet your babies. You may have to pay a fee, but to me it would worth it.

AS for that other Vet that refuses to give you the info that you need that is so wrong and quite frankly I think they have to give it to you.

This exactly what I think I will do. The good news is the vet offers the first consultation as free but since I have two dogs I will have to pay for the other.


I like my current Vet but the office staff is just too difficult to work with. They are rude and just plain not nice. I don't understand not giving me a copy of their medical records I like to keep my own records so I know exactly what is written in them. Since I am the owner I should be entitled to them. According to them they don't believe in that philosophy.

[Jkpal]

You are placing the lives of your precious pups in the hands of your vet--and his/her staff, as well. It's vital that you have a comfortable and immediate connection. It is critically important that the staff and vet respond to any and all concerns and that they really hear you. There have been times when I called my vet, not really able to say what was wrong with my cat, dog...just they weren't 'acting right' or some equally vague explanation and the tech taking call checked w/vet and I was always, always seen within 24hrs. I have always been made to feel right about my concerns--even when all was well. Of course, I am lucky to have the best veterinarian ever and have been with Dr. Patti for over 20 years. As I said, I trust her with the lives of my most precious babes--it's important she "get" me (which lord knows ain't always easy!). Oh, don't worry about the records being forwarded; I had same situation (records not released) and was able to tell Patti most of pet's history and she took it from there---no problem at all.

[Zeus is Loved]

Okay, my dog did have a problem; but the main reason we left our first vet was the lady that was "in charge." She parked her broomstick out front every morning. My husband finally said that she doesn't listen and thinks she's a vet -- forget about it. We switched that day and found out Zeusy had LP in both back legs and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in his left hip. Glad we left, because she didn't want to even talk about his problem. She's also the one that told me not to buy insurance as it was unnecessary, since most dogs have no major problems. This is our first pet, so we listened. Feel really stupid now.

[Jkpal]

Originally Posted by Zeus is Loved

Okay, my dog did have a problem; but the main reason we left our first vet was the lady that was "in charge." She parked her broomstick out front every morning. My husband finally said that she doesn't listen and thinks she's a vet -- forget about it. We switched that day and found out Zeusy had LP in both back legs and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in his left hip. Glad we left, because she didn't want to even talk about his problem. She's also the one that told me not to buy insurance as it was unnecessary, since most dogs have no major problems. This is our first pet, so we listened. Feel really stupid now.

Hey, you can't know what you don't know! You should be very proud of yourself for making the changes necessary to ensure Zeusy's (geez, I love that lil' moniker) good health! Plus, now you're able to share your wisdom (yep, wisdom) with the rest of us who are trying to make life as perfect as possible for our canine babes. You should feel very good about being one smart cookie--because you very obviously are--and again, for sharing what you've figured out on your own! Smooch to the little Zoo-zee-man!

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

My opinion I would make an appointment for a meet and greet , so the New Vet can meet your babies. You may have to pay a fee, but to me it would worth it.

AS for that other Vet that refuses to give you the info that you need that is so wrong and quite frankly I think they have to give it to you.

I agree with all said above....and I would have the new vet send a letter requesting the medical records of your baby.....you need to send them notification that you will need your medical records released to the new vet immediately. (I always communicate via written correspondence, sent registered, return receipt.)

[aweitzm1]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I agree with all said above....and I would have the new vet send a letter requesting the medical records of your baby.....you need to send them notification that you will need your medical records released to the new vet immediately. (I always communicate via written correspondence, sent registered, return receipt.)

That is a good idea. I do have some medical records as I asked my insurance company to send them to me after I filed a claim. But I think its best to have them sent directly to the new vet.

[Britster]

That's basically what I did. I found a vet I just love and was recommended and Jackson wasn't 'sick' but I brought him in anyway for a meet & greet wellness visit to introduce ourselves to them!

[Zeus is Loved]

Thank you, Jkpal. The kind words make me very proud!

[magicfan]

We recently moved and had to take Penny to a new vet. It was awful. The staff was rude; the vet's assistant and the vet both acted like they didn't even like little dogs. I had a wonderful vet before and was very disappointed. I have since asked around and found another vet. I had to pay to see her but it was worth every penny

[DvlshAngel985]

Scheduling appointments is exactly what I've done. I hate switching vets though. It just sucks trying to fine a good one. It sucks more when you find a good one but you move far away.

[buddybear]

I would find the vets home address and send a private letter letting him/ her know why you left. Don't send it to the office as the staff probably would make it disappear.

Good luck on your new vet!

[aweitzm1]

Thanks all... It looks like Thumper needs to actually go to the Vet today so I made the appt for this evening. Sometimes I think it is karma.


Apparently, Thumper may have a bump on his behind because he keeps licking the area and his hair keeps getting matted. Originally, I thought it was just a grooming issue as he needs a cut. But yesterday he yelped when I tried to brush him and my dog walker said Boomer kept smelling him and she felt a bump in the area. It may just be a scab. I can't tell because of his hair.


Well see what the doctor says.

[canana]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

If you need to switch Vets but nothing is wrong with your dog do you still make an appt.? I am getting really frustrated with my Vet's staff about billing and receiving information. For Instance, they will not send me my dog's medical records or give me detailed invoices. It makes it really hard to submit for reimbursement through insurance. I also find them very rude when I ask questions. I found a Vet that is closer to me and who happens to be cheaper. The staff was very friendly on the phone when I called and answered all my questions in detail. I am actually going to be meeting the doctor this Sunday where he is volunteering to administer low cost vaccines. Boomer and Thumper really have no issues that needs a Vet visit but I would like to establish a relationship with him. Should I just make an appt. for them to be checked out?

oooh..I have a question too! Is it standard for vets to give out medical records or detailed invoices? I've tried to ask my vet for that and they said since my puppy is healthy and no issues, there's nothing to give me. They looked at me like I was crazy

The previous vet for my previous dog would give me sort of a 'report card' of health with checkup dates and medications administered etc..