Patient Information

What to Expect at a Specialty Appointment

Knowing what to expect at your first appointment will help make the process more pleasant for both you and your pet.

STEP 1
Get Settled

Please arrive approximately 10 minutes early to get your pet settled and fill out our New Patient Form.

STEP 2
Meet Your Board-Certified Specialist

A member of our specialist team will review your pet's history and discuss their condition. You can ask any questions you want, and we'll take the time to answer.

STEP 3
Examination, Diagnosis & Treatment

Once your pet has been assessed, we will provide you with a diagnosis and options for treatment. Your veterinary specialist will work with you to determine a treatment plan for your pet. After your visit, we will also contact your primary care veterinarian and provide a detailed written report about your appointment and treatment plan.

Our Pet Care Philosophy

We are an extension of your primary care veterinarian at those times when unique medical care is required. We proudly serve pet-owners and veterinarians in the greater D.C. area by providing advanced-level services and procedures not generally available in family practice.

We will work closely with your family veterinarian and our network of specialists to provide the best course of treatment for your pet. 

Payment & Financing

At Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, we'll help you navigate our options for payment and financing so you can focus on getting your pet the care they need.

• What types of payment options are available?

  Payment in full is expected at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We accept payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.

• Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?

  We will provide a good-faith estimate of the cost of our services before pet treatment, however, unforeseen circumstances may arise that influence your final bill.

  We will always discuss our written estimate with all clients before they leave our facility, and require a deposit based on our estimate prior to any further treatment.

• What are the fees associated with a specialty appointment?

  You are financially responsible for the initial exam fee and any diagnostics or treatment that you consent to for your pet’s treatment. This payment is due at the time of service.

  For further hospitalization, diagnostics, or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment in full due when your pet is discharged.

• What are the fees associated with an emergency visit?

  A deposit payment is required for all emergency examinations. Once the staff and doctors examine your pet, an estimate for treatment will be given to you to determine a treatment plan.

  For further hospitalization, diagnostics or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment in full due when your pet is discharged. 

• Can you help with my pet insurance?

  We’re happy to help you complete pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit.