2018 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program: Seattle, Washington, June 14 - 15, 2018

Strategies to Improve Case Outcome When Referral is Not Affordable Referral to an internist is often in the best interest of a patient, particularly if the case involves a chronic, refractory, or undiagnosed condition. Unfortunately, many pet owners cannot afford the cost of referral. In these instances, the general practitioner is challenged with treating these complicated cases on a limited budget. Owners may even elect euthanasia due to cost of care. General practitioners may seek guidance from an internist in order to discuss diagnostic and treatment options for patients that need referral care but whose owners cannot afford it. Such consultations are frequently limited to a single phone conversation or email, and outcome is therefore unknown by the consulting internist. Additional strategies to improve options and outcome in these financially challenging cases may be beneficial to both general practitioners and patients. Furthermore, increasing the awareness of and preparedness of veterinary students for these challenges may improve their abilities to approach cases more efficiently when owners are on a limited budget.