Whether you are seeing a veterinary oncologist once to get your options, or choose to pursue treatment, you should maximize your investment in that expensive specialist consult.
Veterinary oncologist and DogCancer.com contributor Dr. Megan Duffy joins James Jacobson to discuss how to get the most out of that expensive specialist consult. Whether you are planning on pursuing treatments or not, there are ways to maximize your consult.
Key Points Discussed
- Expect a Lengthy Visit: Oncology appointments can take at least an hour due to the detailed discussions about your pet's diagnosis, treatment options, and overall care plan.
- Bring Medical Records: Ensure you have a copy of your pet's medical records and any imaging results, even if your oncologist’s office has already requested them.
- Do Your Research: Use online searches for background information so you have a basic understanding of your dog’s condition and a list of questions.
- Prepare for Emotional Conversations: Be ready for an in-depth discussion about your dog's diagnosis, treatment options, quality of life, and financial considerations.
- Record the Appointment: Whether through notes, audio, or video recordings, make sure you have a way to remember the details discussed during the consultation.
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Related Videos:
- The role of veterinary technicians in oncology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7-oeFe_VXM&t=15s
- How to think about dog cancer expenses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMH4VNBGcSk
Dr. David Vail on when to consult a veterinary oncologist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FTSRun88ps
Related Links:
- A great article about your first oncology visit: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/first-oncology-appointment/
- The difference between a general practice veterinarian and a veterinary oncologist: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/should-my-dog-see-an-oncologist-or-vet/
- Questions to ask your veterinarian about dog cancer: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/questions-to-ask-your-vet-about-dog-cancer/
- Managing your dog’s medical files: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/managing-medical-files/
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction from Molly Jacobson
02:03 – James Jacobson introduces Dr. Megan Duffy
03:03 - Bringing Medical Records
04:02 – Do Some Initial Research and Come with Questions
05:01 - State of Electronic Medical Records
08:02 - Ownership of Medical Records
08:41 How Far Back Should You Go?
09:15- Include Records from Holistic Veterinarians, Too
10:00 – Why You Should Consult Dr. Google
11:45 - Recording the Appointment
12:45 - Expect a Lengthy Visit
14:35 - Emotional Preparedness
14:51 - Avoiding Overcrowding
15:50 - Legal Requirements for Pet Presence
16:52 - Common Surprises
17:30 – Unrealistic Expectations re: Prognosis
18:48 - Defining Median Life Expectancy
20:20 - Cost of Oncology Consultations
21:40 – Dr. Megan Duffy’s Final Thoughts
21:57 – Molly's Conclusion
22:32 - Outro and Disclaimer
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Get to know Dr. Megan Duffy: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/megan-duffy-dvm-acvim-oncology/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/building-your-team/maximize-your-dog-cancer-vet-investment-dr-megan-duffy/
