Because of the educational aspect of our hospital, we emphasize thoroughness in evaluating each animal presented to us. Physical examinations, client interviews, and the performance of various tests will generally take longer than at most general practitioner's offices. This approach occasionally causes delays in scheduled appointments, so plan enough time for your visit. Every patient is given all the time necessary for a thorough medical work-up.
Another feature of a teaching hospital that may be new to you is that the veterinarians are on rotating clinic schedules. We have a team approach, utilizing faculty and residents, which allows them to rotate on and off duty and still ensure case continuity. If you do not see the same veterinarian on subsequent visits, you will be seeing one who will be familiar with his/her medical history. You may, however, be asked to review your pet's case with this veterinarian to add your personal input.
Appointments: Must be made in advance and can be arranged through our appointment desk. It is recommended that you bring your animal's records (including X-rays) from your referring veterinarian. Without examining your pet, diagnoses and/or estimates of cost cannot be determined over the telephone. Our appointment hours are normally 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (hours vary with specialty), and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Our appointment desk will be able to assist you in setting up a suitable time.
NOTE: For your pet's safety, and your own, we require that all animals be leashed or in a carrier while in the waiting room.
After examination, you and the veterinarian may decide that hospitalization is best for your pet. We have 24-hour staffing, including veterinarians, technicians, and fourth-year students, to provide the best in medical care. If your pet is critically ill or needs constant monitoring, it may be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
During your pet's hospitalization, one of the veterinarians or a fourth-year student will call you daily with a progress report. It is best that you wait for these phone calls rather than calling the hospital. The clinicians are often with appointments and/or procedures and therefore may be unable to take your call. Your veterinarian will give you an idea of when you can expect a phone call each day (please remember emergencies do arise that may prevent him/her from calling at the time expected). You will be contacted immediately if there is a significant change in your pet's condition. It is important that we have your correct home and work telephone number(s).
Patient Visits: Many owners want to visit their pets during their hospitalization. This is allowed if authorized by veterinarian, but often discouraged because of the danger of spreading disease. It can also be emotionally difficult for your pet who may expect to go home when you come to visit. Visiting hours are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekdays, and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekends and holidays. There may be a wait if the staff is involved with a medical procedure, and visits are limited to 20 minutes.
When your pet is ready to go home, the attending veterinarian will call you to discuss home care and follow up. In most cases, your veterinarian will not be present at discharge, so please ask questions during this call. Written care instructions will be provided to you at the time of discharge. Hospital discharge hours are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. If you experience any problems with your pet at home or have further questions, please call the attending veterinarian as soon as possible. If your veterinarian is not available, another will take your call. For problems occurring after hours, your call will be taken by our emergency service.
If you have provided us with the name of your referring veterinarian, a letter will be sent to him/her regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and care of your pet's condition.
The Foster Hospital is committed to working with you to provide the best in compassionate medical care for your pet. Thank you for choosing Tufts.
Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is recommended that you call in advance, whenever possible, to prepare our staff for your arrival. If you are being referred by your own veterinarian, our emergency staff would like to discuss your pet with him/her before arrival. In addition to the normal examination fee, there is an additional charge for having a pet seen through the emergency service.
Payment for outpatient services is due at the time they are rendered. If your pet is admitted to the hospital, you will be given an estimate of the cost of the medical/surgical procedures recommended by the veterinarian. You should read the terms and conditions of this estimate and, if you have any questions, ask to have them clarified. You will be required to leave a deposit of 50% of the estimated amount. We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Discover or VISA. The balance of your account is due at the time of discharge from the hospital. During your pet's medical/surgical stay if more care is needed than was anticipated at admission, the cost of this additional care will be discussed with you. You may be asked to make an additional deposit toward your final bill. If you think you may have a problem paying your account in full, please contact our Accounting Office prior to discharge.
Because of the educational aspect of our hospital, we emphasize thoroughness in evaluating each animal presented to us. Physical examinations, client interviews, and the performance of various tests will generally take longer than at most general practitioner's offices. This approach occasionally causes delays in scheduled appointments, so plan enough time for your visit. Every patient is given all the time necessary for a thorough medical work-up.