APPOINTMENTS & DROP-OFFS
The doctors see patients Monday through Saturday by appointment. An
appointment will save you time when you arrive. Occasionally, there are
emergencies that must be “worked in” to the schedule. We will do
everything possible to minimize appointment delays due to emergencies that
must be seen. You may schedule your pet to be dropped off if the doctor
has already examined your pet previously and the problems have been
discussed. DROP-OFFS ARE TAKEN AS EARLY AS 7:15 AM AND CAN BE PICKED
UP AS LATE AS 5:30 PM. We appreciate a written note about any change
in your pet’s condition and any food or medication it has had within the
last 24 hours, as well as phone number(s) where you can be reached that
day.
CALLS AFTER SURGERY OR
PROCEDURES
The surgery/procedure schedule is usually not predictable due to the need
for unscheduled emergency surgeries. We typically call owners when the
surgery/procedure is finished. However, sometimes we get delayed, can not
make contact immediately, or do not make contact on the initial call. If
you have not been called by 5:00 PM on the day of the procedure, please
call us. If the doctor can not come to the phone, you will be called back
as soon as possible that day or evening.
IN-HOSPITAL REFERRALS
Occasionally, multi-diagnostic care may be in the best interest
of your pet. In such cases, Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics may consult with
other specialists at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists.
UPDATES AND PROGRESS REPORTS
If your pet is hospitalized, we know you are anxious to receive an update
as soon as possible. We also want to keep you informed. The doctor and
technicians are able to give information after morning rounds. Therefore,
WE ASK THAT YOU NOT CALL BEFORE 10 AM. YOU MAY CALL IN FOR UPDATES AND
PROGRESS REPORTS FROM 10:00AM TO 6:00PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
FROM 9:00AM TO NOON WHEN A RECEPTIONIST IS ON DUTY. We are closed on
Sunday. Technicians responsible for night and weekend patient care are
very busy taking care of your pets. Because the switchboard is closed,
they can not receive calls to give progress reports and updates. For
security reasons, they are not authorized to unlock doors and allow
visitation after office hours.
The Animal Emergency Clinic
in this building is a separate practice. Their staff is not familiar with
Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics’ patients. Therefore, they are unable to
answer questions about your pet. Please do not call the Emergency
Clinic for updates or progress reports if your pet is hospitalized at Gulf
Coast Avian & Exotics.
DOCTOR’S CALL-BACK SCHEDULES
The doctors receive many phone calls each day. They take as many as they
can between appointments and procedures. At times, they must call back as
soon as possible or return calls after the clinic closes. Please be sure
to give day and night numbers as well as pager and mobile phone numbers.
Pagers can not be used for after-hours calls. The doctors
have trained their technicians to return some of the calls in order to
speed up call-backs and reassure you about your pet’s condition.
VISITATION
We know how difficult it is for you to leave your pet if hospitalization
is required. If your pet needs to stay in the hospital for more than two
(2) days, you are welcome to schedule a visit. Visitation must be
scheduled in advance. Special arrangements may be made for the
critically ill. Please keep in mind that your pet could be very excited
or disappointed after you leave. For this reason, visiting is not
necessarily the best thing for your pet, but your doctor will be happy to
discuss this with you.
DISCHARGES
Please call before you pick up your pet to make sure the paperwork is
ready and schedule a discharge time. Calling will help alleviate waiting
time. The doctor or technicians will go over the discharge instructions.
If you have ANY questions, we will want to answer them for you
before you go home. If a recheck examination is needed, you may want to
consider scheduling this appointment before leaving.
PHARMACY
Please call at least 24 hours ahead if you need prescriptions refilled.
This will prevent any delay and inconvenience to you. Let us know what
time you will arrive to pick up.
ANY QUESTIONS?
All your questions are encouraged! We want you
to be well informed about your pet’s condition, diagnosis, and recommended
treatment. If surgery is necessary, we urge you to discuss
your concerns with the doctor. A written estimate will be provided prior
to surgery. Your pet is receiving the finest care in a state-of-the-art
specialty hospital. We are proud of our hospital and staff and want you
to be comfortable in all aspects of your pet’s care while in our
facility. Comments and constructive criticism
are welcome.
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