OUTPATIENT ULTRASOUND AT VSS

Your patient. Our facilities.

Do you have a patient that needs an ultrasound, but not a specialist referral?
Perhaps your clinic does not have ultrasound equipment?
Would you benefit from diagnostic support from our internal medicine team in order to reach a diagnosis?

We have introduced a new streamlined Outpatient Ultrasound service to make things easier for your team and your clients.

We can help!

Ultrasound can be completed as an outpatient procedure right here at VSS. An outpatient ultrasound is an efficient way for you, the general practice clinician, to receive crucial diagnostic information while your patient stays under your care!

There is no need for any client consultation with our team (unless medically required).

How It Works

Your patient comes to VSS for their ultrasound with your referral. They return home or to your clinic on the same day.
We ensure your patient is comfortable and relaxed throughout the process. A light sedation may be used to help your patient relax and remain still for the best image quality.
Our internal medicine team uses ultrasound to obtain a detailed view of the internal organs, helping you to diagnose a variety of conditions.
We send a report with detailed findings and recommendations to you. You advise your client directly on their pet's care.

The Process

Bookings

You (or your client) are welcome to call us directly. Our friendly Client Care team will assist with the booking.

What We Need

Clinical history from your practice
Anything else you think is relevant.

These can be emailed and will be uploaded to the patient file.

Consent & Admission

A consent form (including sedation info) will be sent directly to the client or provided when they arrive
Patients are ideally to fast on the day of the appointment (water is allowed)
Signed consent must be returned prior to the appointment, or presented to the Client Care team on the day.

On The Day

The pet will be admitted by our nursing staff
The pet's abdomen will be shaved
Sedation (if required) will be administered (at an additional cost to the owner)
We encourage referring clinics to sedate patients with gabapentin and/or trazadone (if you deem that appropriate)
One of our vets will perform the ultrasound
The pet will be returned to the owner
The client pays for the ultrasound +/- sedation prior to leaving.

Results

Please advise your client prior to visiting VSS if they are to return home or to your practice
A VSS clinician will email you a detailed report after the ultrasound
Your practice will continue the treatment plan with the client.

Please note: Results are not discussed directly with the client by the VSS team. A subsequent referral can be arranged if this is required.

If aspirates of organs requiring deeper sedation/light anaesthesia are needed, we will require a referral from you.

Please note: Outpatient ultrasounds are for stable patients only. If there is a problem with the pet during the procedure, your clinic will be contacted to discuss directly with the owner. You may wish to provide a full referral to our team for further care.