The Animal Health Care Team is made up of the owner (client), the general practice veterinarian and the ACVR Diplomate (Radiologist or Radiation Oncologist). Rapid advances in the veterinary profession can make it difficult for veterinarians to remain current with recent developments in some of today's complex imaging or radiation therapy procedures. Possessing the training, expertise and equipment to perform the latest state-of-the art procedures, the ACVR Diplomate can help the primary care veterinarian provide the best possible care to the patient.
Clients routinely deal with specialists in human healthcare and are familiar with the concept of specialization and the consultation process. Owners appreciate consultations and/or referrals for specialized imaging, image interpretation or radiation therapy procedures. Many ACVR Diplomates in private practice work at "referral-only" animal hospitals. Such practices require that the primary care veterinarian contact the radiologist or radiation oncologist. In this way, the radiologist or radiation oncologist can be properly informed as to the patient's history and the scope of the current problem.
Once the consultation and/or referral is made, the ACVR specialist will provide state-of-the-art imaging, interpretation or radiation therapy procedures. As part of the healthcare team, the radiologist or radiation oncologist will inform the referring veterinarian of the patient's progress and the results of the imaging study or radiation therapy procedure. Usually the referring veterinarian communicates with the client, but the radiologist or radiation oncologist may do so as well. After the imaging or radiation therapy procedures are completed, the animal is returned to the referring veterinarian for follow-up care. This continuity between the ACVR specialist and primary care veterinarian ensures the best possible outcome for the patient.