I have been trying to get info for 2 weeks from my vet and the different internists about prices, etc. for an ultrasound. I'm incredibly frustated because it shouldn't take 2 weeks to get this info.
I cannot get anyone to tell me the benefits of doing an ultrasound with a consultation versus just an ultrasound.
In both cases, the cat is seen by an internist who performs the ultrasound. The internist writes a report and sends it to the primary vet. But if I do a consultation, the internist talks to me - over the phone (can't go inside due to COVID). Without a consultation, the internist does not have any communication with me and simply talks to my vet.
At the one internist, I would have to pay anywhere from $100-$300 more for a consultation.
At the other internist, I have yet to get a full price. But it appears to cost much less for a consultation. However, the hospital claims they can't give me the total cost until the primary vet sends the referral. The internist does not actually work there, he goes there to do ultrasounds when needed. My vet recommended him. But this hospital has HORRIBLE reviews claiming that they only care about money and will lie and trick you into paying more. All of the reviews have the same theme and that theme is that this place is money hungry, rude, and incompetent. That scares me.
I'm waiting for them to call me since they should now have the referral. I'll be recording the phone call (legal in this state) in case they lie to me. I'll also ask for a written estimate, but doubt I will get it.
I don't know what to do. My vet likes the second internist and says she hasn't heard of any problems with him. I'm not sure if part of her recommendation was based on price or not. My inclination is to go with the first internist as I've used their services before and it was adequate for what I needed it for. The difference here is that this particular cat that I'm taking in may have an uncommon or even rare kidney disorder.
I honestly don't see the benefits of a consultation. It just sounds like a money grab. I vaguely remember doing a consult with the first internist back in 2004. I don't really remember much about it, but from what I do remember, it doesn't seem like it's worth the cost.
I would love feedback on this issue. It may be that I'm so agitated that I'm not looking at things with a clear head.
I cannot get anyone to tell me the benefits of doing an ultrasound with a consultation versus just an ultrasound.
In both cases, the cat is seen by an internist who performs the ultrasound. The internist writes a report and sends it to the primary vet. But if I do a consultation, the internist talks to me - over the phone (can't go inside due to COVID). Without a consultation, the internist does not have any communication with me and simply talks to my vet.
At the one internist, I would have to pay anywhere from $100-$300 more for a consultation.
At the other internist, I have yet to get a full price. But it appears to cost much less for a consultation. However, the hospital claims they can't give me the total cost until the primary vet sends the referral. The internist does not actually work there, he goes there to do ultrasounds when needed. My vet recommended him. But this hospital has HORRIBLE reviews claiming that they only care about money and will lie and trick you into paying more. All of the reviews have the same theme and that theme is that this place is money hungry, rude, and incompetent. That scares me.
I'm waiting for them to call me since they should now have the referral. I'll be recording the phone call (legal in this state) in case they lie to me. I'll also ask for a written estimate, but doubt I will get it.
I don't know what to do. My vet likes the second internist and says she hasn't heard of any problems with him. I'm not sure if part of her recommendation was based on price or not. My inclination is to go with the first internist as I've used their services before and it was adequate for what I needed it for. The difference here is that this particular cat that I'm taking in may have an uncommon or even rare kidney disorder.
I honestly don't see the benefits of a consultation. It just sounds like a money grab. I vaguely remember doing a consult with the first internist back in 2004. I don't really remember much about it, but from what I do remember, it doesn't seem like it's worth the cost.
I would love feedback on this issue. It may be that I'm so agitated that I'm not looking at things with a clear head.