TeleVet - TeleMedicine

Telemedicine is an opportunity to "see" our patients more frequently for certain problems.

For instance, rechecks after some surgeries and some ongoing skin problems may benefit from the Televet service. Behavior consulting may also be an area where our veterinarian can observe remotely and offer the best advice pertaining specifically to your situation.

We are just beginning our exploration with telemedicine. 

**Always call us if you suspect serious illness or have an emergency.  Please do not rely on Televet for these situations. 

This app will allow you to request your virtual appointment time and pay for the virtual visit if the request is accepted.

There is no cost to simply make the request.  Currently, we must have an in-house physical examination within the last year in order to use telemedicine for our patients.  We cannot legally use telemedicine for new patients or existing patients that have not been seen in the last year. 

(Telemedicine Behavior consults are priced differently)

To get started, download the TeleVet app on the iTunes or Google Play store and create your personal profile & your pets (pictures encouraged!). When you need us, create a consultation request detailing your pet’s issue. Upload any pictures or videos, instant message, and talk with us face to face through a video conference call to help get your pet feeling better again.

*Only available for current Cherokee Animal Hospital clients and patients.

In human medicine, the patient can talk to their doctor to tell them about the symptoms they are experiencing.  Our pets obviously can't do this.  So we rely heavily on physical exams and testing to help us reach our decisions on treatment recommendations.

For many of the problems our patients' experience, the doctor needs to lay hands on the pet to help determine where and how severe the problem is.  Still, there are instances where telemedicine has its place.

Once the request is received it will be accepted and scheduled or declined.  Requests are only declined if it is clear we would need to see that particular patient in person. 

If a patient is scheduled for a virtual visit and it becomes clear we need the patient to come in for additional testing or treatment, the cost of the virtual visit is applied toward the in-house physical examination. 

We reserve the right to decline the use of telemedicine in any case where we believe it will cause a substandard treatment for our patients.  Owners must accept that using telemedicine will limit our abilities to give complete information, diagnosis and treatment options.