Telemedicine 

Riverview Animal Hospital Now Offering Remote Healthcare Services

At Riverview Animal Hospital (RAH), we are always looking for ways to expand our services and make veterinary care more accessible. We’re excited to introduce a convenient way for established RAH clients to connect with a veterinarian through our new telemedicine services. Using Otto, you can now have real-time conversations with our staff to address your pet’s brief concerns or questions from the comfort of your home.

This service includes Tele-TriageTele-Advice, and on a case-by-case basis, Telemedicine. Our telemedicine option is available when a valid Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) is in place, allowing us to provide accurate, personalized care and advice.

Benefits include

  • Emergency triage
  • Easier access to veterinary care
  • Reduced stress for both pet and owner
  • Continuity of care
  • Convenience and time-saving

Tele-Advice/Tele-Triage vs. Telemedicine: What’s the Difference?

All of these services fall under the umbrella of Telehealth, but there are important distinctions:

  • Tele-Advice: Provides general guidance, preventative care education, and basic answers to questions about your pet’s health.
  • Tele-Triage: Helps determine whether your pet needs to be seen in-person for an urgent concern, assessing the level of urgency.
  • Telemedicine: A more in-depth consultation, where the veterinarian provides patient-specific recommendations, diagnoses, and may suggest treatments.

Availability

  • Telemedicine appointments are available in the mornings with RAH DVMs. Each appointment block is 20 minutes long and can address one health-related concern per pet.
  • Please ensure that appointments are set up properly. If not confirmed 10 minutes before the scheduled time, the appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Eligibility

  • This service is available to existing and established clients only.
  • Your pet must have had a in person exam at RAH within the last 12 months.
  • No exceptions: This is the basic requirement for establishing a valid VCPR, which is necessary to assess and diagnose your pet’s condition.
  • If eligible, you may either request a telehealth consult or be referred by a member of our team.
  • Note: In some cases, an in-person visit may still be recommended to address your concerns.

Types of Concerns Addressable via Telehealth

While telehealth is convenient for many cases, it’s not suitable for every situation. Here are some common concerns that can be addressed through telehealth services:

  • Behavioral concerns (mild to moderate anxiety, separation anxiety, noise-related fears, etc.)
  • Quality of life discussions (palliative care, emotional support, euthanasia planning)
  • Dermatology issues (excluding ear infections)
  • Gastrointestinal concerns (single episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in otherwise healthy pets)
  • Nutrition questions
  • Pre-International Health Certificate consultations
  • Follow-up care (e.g., post-surgery recovery)
  • Consultation for non-urgent topics (e.g., spay/neuter discussions, understanding complex diagnoses like diabetes, allergy management)

Limitations of Telehealth

While telemedicine is a great option for many concerns, it does have some limitations, especially for issues requiring physical exams, diagnostic tests, or urgent/emergency care. Conditions such as the need for x-rays, blood tests, or surgery cannot be addressed through telemedicine. In such cases, an in-person visit will be necessary.

We are excited to offer this modern, convenient way to care for your pet! If you think your pet could benefit from a telehealth consultation, please contact us today to schedule your appointment

Telemedicine

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641 N. Market Street,
Chattanooga, TN 37405