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Telecardiology

The following FAQ pages are intended for veterinarians. For Pet Owner FAQ pages please visit the Pet Owners section.

  1. If I need a cardiologists’ opinion, should I refer the patient to a local cardiologist or use Telecardiology?
    1. Our board-certified cardiologists are accomplished professionals who for a fraction of the time and cost of a referral, can provide their expertise without taking the patient out of your practice. Our goals are to work with you to diagnose the disease, stage the problem and provide an optimal therapeutic protocol. In those circumstances that require special attention, our experts will suggest a referral without hesitation.
  1. When should I request a cardiology consultation?
    1. When clients are resistant to a referral for any reason.
    2. When patients are presented with the following signs and you would like an expert opinion:
      • Cardiac Murmurs
      • Respiratory signs/cough
      • Fainting and/or exercise intolerance
      • Pre-surgical screens/yearly physical
      • Interpretation of arrhythmias
      • Breed required cardiac screening
    3. When you want your practice to offer the best medical services available
  1. What additional information should I send with the data I have collected?
    • Client complaint, recent history, and current medication list
    • Clearly state what questions you and your clients wish answered
    • ECG’s, Radiographs and Echo – Any of these will get the process started, but a combination is optimal. The consultant will inform you if additional tests are needed any why.
  1. Will I be charged if I need follow-up information?
    1. You have the opportunity to communicate with a consultant to clear up any lingering issues for no additional charge at any time. A report (paper or electronic) suitable for inserting into your files will be returned to you promptly.
  1. Can I send an ECG only?
    1. Absolutely. Electrocardiographic data are best reviewed in the context of the case so we recommend you provide the same background materials as listed in question number 3.
  1. How do I send an ECG?
    1. If you are sending a radiograph and/or echo images please send a lead 2-rhythm strip (10-15 seconds). You can tape the strip (in order it was acquired) to a piece of paper and fax it to VDIC 9503-722-8076) or upload a digital file should your ECG machine have these capabilities. If you have any trouble, please call VDIC at 1-888-342-7828.
  1. What Echo planes should I acquire to send to you?
    1. If you click on the link provided below we have generated examples of the Echo planes that will be most useful to the cardiologists evaluating the case.
      Echoprojections/hjytop/ool
  1. Can you give me some pointers for taking radiographs to optimize the cardiac images?
    1. We have provided a review of thoracic radiography here radiologymanual/hhtp.56
  1. If my Echocardiograms are preformed by a mobile service, can I still use your services for interpretation and or treatment plans?
    1. Absolutely. We are happy to evaluate the information generated at your clinic and formulate a management plan.