Appointments
Appointments are based on a referral by your veterinarian. Once your veterinarian has made a referral for your pet, you may call the office at (706)-354-4002 to schedule an appointment. After your appointment is scheduled you will be given a Client Information and Pet Questionnaire to fill out. You can fill out the forms provided below or print the pdf form and FAX to (706)-354-4002 or bring with you. An estimate of cost of services will be given to you based or your veterinarian’s assessment. This estimate will be updated after the consultation.
Please bring all pertinent medical records and laboratory results. Your pet must be up-to-date on their Rabies vaccinations prior to being seen for their appointment. Patients scheduled to be sedated or anesthetized will need to be fasted the night before a procedure. Please remove food by 12:00 midnight. Bring a carrier or leash to restrain your pet in the waiting room. You may anticipate spending 45 to 60 minutes at our clinic during the initial consultation.
Hospitalization,
Communication,
Follow-up Visits, Emergency
Outpatient surgery is available for most orthopedic patients. The majority of cases are admitted between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. In some cases, hospitalization may be required depending on your pet’s medical condition. The staff surgeon will determine if your pet will require extended hospitalization.
We strive to have exceptional communication with our clients. Every effort will be made to update you on your pet’s status while at our facility. Please feel free to call to obtain status reports but keep in mind your doctor may be in surgery at the time of your call.
Discharge time is often between 4 and 5 p.m. When your pet is discharged you will be given written instructions on aftercare. We recommend you return for all of your scheduled follow-up visits so we may evaluate your pet’s progress following surgery. These visits are important to assess healing and determine when it is appropriate to let your pet resume normal activity.
If you have any questions during the postoperative period, please contact our clinic. In the event of an after-hours medical emergency, contact your family veterinarian, the University of Georgia Emergency Service at 706-542-3221, or an emergency facility near you.
Payment Policy
Payment is expected upon completion of services. A deposit of 50% of the estimated cost of surgery is required at the time of admission to our clinic. The remaining balance is due in full at the time of your pet’s discharge. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and CareCredit. Unfortunately, we do not accept checks. Our CareCredit plans include the 6-month Deferred Interest and the Fixed Payment plans (24, 36, 48, and 60 mo.). Unfortunately, we do not bill.
If you have pet insurance, you will need to contact your insurer regarding coverage of a specific procedure. The pet owner will be responsible for paying Athens Veterinary Surgery Center the cost of services provided as described for clients without insurance. Your insurance company will reimburse you, the client. We do not accept payment from the insurance company. We will provide you with the documentation needed to file your claim and help facilitate you receiving your reimbursement.