- Online vets
- Glossary
- Teletriage
Teletriage
Definition
Veterinary teletriage is when a veterinary professional virtually assesses a pet and evaluates how urgently it needs to be seen either in person at a clinic, emergency center, or if telehealth is a good option for helping the pet. All veterinary professionals at Vetster are able to provide this service. This is particularly useful when pet owners need professional advice in times of uncertainty or urgency.
When to use teletriage
Teletriage answers the question, “What should I do next?” A Vetster veterinary professional will help you decide if a concern is worth a visit to the clinic or urgent care hospital. You can obtain this advice by booking an appointment with a veterinarian, or through our in-app chat feature. Examples of when to use teletriage include:
- Your dog or cat just ate something that might be dangerous
- Your pet suddenly starts vomiting or having diarrhea
- Your dog or cat is coughing and you’re not sure if it’s serious
- Your pet just came home after surgery and you’re not sure the incision is okay
- Your pet just came home from an anesthetic procedure and isn’t acting right
- You were trying to manage your pet’s symptoms at home but they seem to be getting worse
How can teletriage improve my pet’s care?
One of the biggest benefits of teletriage is it allows pets and their owners to avoid the stress and potential expense of visiting an animal hospital unnecessarily while also giving pet owners confidence in their decision to seek in-person care. A veterinarian can “see” your pet with Vetster’s video appointment and file sharing tools used for teletriage, allowing for an accurate and thorough evaluation that helps you make a good decision about what to do next. Timely access to an expert opinion is an important tool for taking the best possible care of your pet.
Teletriage benefits overall pet health by freeing up space in clinics for pets that need to be seen in person and helping to prioritize urgent cases. Expanded access to teletriage means it’s more likely you can get into a vet when you need to. Each year, more people become pet parents, and the veterinary community is struggling to keep up. In response to growing wait times, some pet owners take a wait and see approach for some health concerns, despite the potential of things getting worse. Teletriage reduces the risks associated with waiting it out and helps you make a more informed decision when you’re wondering if your pet needs to go to a clinic. With teletriage, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re taking the right next steps for your pet’s care.
Looking for veterinary teletriage for your pet? Connect with a licensed vet online today.
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