Hospitalized Patients

Hospitalized patients requiring intensive care are kept in the Intensive Care Unit located behind the exam rooms. Within this area patients are observed 24 hours a day by technicians and doctors on duty.

TYPE OF CARE
The doctor in charge of caring for your pet will have done an exam and recommended tests necessary to diagnose your pet's condition. Your doctor will then decide what treatment is most appropriate depending upon the examination and diagnostic results. When your doctor is not on duty, the technicians will carry out treatment orders similar to how a human hospital handles care of patients when a doctor is not present at the hospital. Other doctors on duty will intervene if problems develop while the doctor in charge of your pet's problems is not here. We encourage you to call to discuss your pet's care. When your doctor is not available one of our technicians can answer questions about how your pet is doing, but specific questions regarding response to medication or treatment changes will need to be addressed to the doctor in charge of your pet's care. Because we are a 24-hour hospital, there may be days while your pet is hospitalized that your doctor will be off. Your pet will then be transferred to another doctor on duty. That doctor becomes familiar with the case and is then responsible for your pet's care.

Your doctor keeps a daily detailed record of both your pet's medical history and the charges incurred for diagnostics and treatment. Please address any question you may have about the costs to your doctor.

PAYMENT
Payment is due at the time of services. We take checks and all major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Optima and Discover. If your pet is hospitalized, we require a prepayment for the estimated hospital stay. If there is additional extensive critical care or surgery anticipated, a prepayment covering that care will be required as well.

We accept all pet insurance policies. Please let the doctor know if you carry pet insurance.

FINANCING
If you need to finance your medical services we use a medical financing company called Care Credit. Our receptionist can submit your application via phone or you can apply online at www.carecredit.com . It usually takes 15 minutes or less to receive approval.

If you use another veterinary hospital for routine care but are using I-20 Animal Medical Center for emergency care, please inform us who your regular doctor is so that your pet's medical records can be transferred. Once your pet is stabilized we recommend that you transfer your pet back to your veterinarian for care when their office has opened. If your pet requires continued 24-hour critical care we will be glad to continue to provide that care and work with your veterinarian as needed.

VISITATION POLICY
If your pet has been hospitalized, we encourage you to visit. We are here 24 hours a day, and you are welcome at any time. While visiting, the technicians on duty can help you with questions concerning your pet. Medical questions concerning your pet's response to treatment need to be addressed to the doctor in charge of your pet's medical care. If you are unsure of when your doctor is on duty the technicians or receptionists can let you know their schedule.

We try to arrange a visit with your pet in one of the exam rooms, however, sometimes your pet cannot be moved to an exam room. In that instance we have owners visit their pets in the ICU. Whenever your pet cannot be moved to an exam room for visitation, we request that you limit your visit in the treatment area to 20 minutes or less.

Because we are a 24-hour emergency hospital we will experience periods of intense activity when many emergencies will be presented at the same time. During those critical times we request that you limit your visiting to 5 minutes or less if you are in the ICU. You are welcome to come back later to visit. We appreciate your understanding.