Veterinary Properties Reviews (%countItem)
Veterinary Properties Rating
Address: 985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd STE C, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina, United States, 29464-3681
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I have a dog that I took to Veterinary Specialty Care because she was in pain, restless, whimpering, and out of breath. When I arrived at this location they came to the car to take my dog because in the time of Covid-19 no one expect staff and the pet can go inside. After waiting 2 and a half hours a employee called my phone and explained my dog has a slipped disc and named a list of procedures/examinations they could do and wanted to collect a payment before they helped her. I picked X-ray's another hour and a half later they brought my dog back. The employee said they found nothing in the X-ray. I asked if my dog had received medication for pain the employee said no. I payed close to four hundred dollar's and waited almost 4 hour's for the staff to not give my animal any medication or show me any X-rays.
Product_Or_Service: Radiographs
Explanation of Charges I want to see the X-rays for my dog because I have no evidence that an X-ray was even done. I want a explanation for why it took close to 4 hours before my animal was helped and given back to me. I want to know where they had my animal for all those hours.
Contact Name and Title: Michelle H, Manager
Contact Phone: ***
Contact Email: ***@veterinaryspecialtycare.com
Attached you will find a complete copy of the medical record including the doctor's assessment, plan and communication with Ms ***. I have attached a copy of the radiographs and we have also emailed these to Ms ***.
To address the concern about wait time, Ms *** and *** presented around 8pm and *** was discharged around 11pm. *** was taken directly into the clinic where they obtained vitals and she was examined by Dr M and a technician called to obtain a history. Around 9pm, Dr. M called to review what he found on physical examination and what his recommendations were. Ms *** was presented with an estimate for treatment after discussion options with Dr M. According to our records, the payment was collected and the treatment was completed. Ms *** declined for us to administer pain medications or steroids while *** was in the clinic and elected to get prescriptions to fill at an outside pharmacy.
We provide emergency care and we are never sure what our wait times may be.
We try to see cases as quickly as possible but, because of the case load, there can be a several hour wait to be seen and to have diagnostics and treatments completed. While our patients are waiting to be treated, they are placed in a kennel with bedding and are monitored by the technicians. We strive to provide the best care for a patients and clients.
Please reach out with any additional concerns or questions.
Thank you
Michelle H
Practice Manager-Emergency
The company charged me 3X the amount they quoted for caring for my cat. I believe they did this as a result of me explaining that the cat was my active duty Air Force sons, and at 1:00 am, he was unavailable to ask if I should pay the $2200 they upcharged me. I had signed a form indicating it would be up to $700, after they had evaluated my cat. I said I was reluctant but agreed, and went into the explanation about my son. Hours later, not providing relief for my cat, the bill tripled. The following is the letter I sent them explaining my feelings that they took advantage of me and my Air Force son.
"I had to take my cat to your facility late on Memorial Day, he was pretty lethargic. After about 1.5 hours they told me it would be up to $700, and I signed the form. I told them it was my son's cat and that I was willing to give him the treatment. I told them my son is in the Air Force and as I can't reach him, I needed to help his cat. Apparently sharing that information was a mistake.
Three hours later, after 1 am, they brought me a bill for $2191.00, and said I had to pay or the cat may die. I feel they totally took advantage of the situation and that your company has no respect for the military or their service to our country. During the several hours I was waiting, they had not done the catheterization they said was so urgent 4 hours earlier. After I agreed to pay and was ready to leave, they carried the very ill cat to me to say good-bye. They carried him!! After telling me his bladder was so extended he may not make it, they carried him and put unneeded pressure on his bladder.
I feel they exaggerated the fee as they knew I would pay. Yet, they did nothing to help my cat during the extended time I waited. I called before 7am to check on him (5 hours after I had left), the Dr. told me it was not safe to move him and it would be another $800 to keep him there for another 24 hrs. My cat was in your care for approx. 36 hrs and almost $3,000, with no surgery. Unacceptable!"
Product_Or_Service: Veterinary care
Refund I really want them to change their business practice, but I do not expect my complaint will accomplish that goal. But I do feel they should reimburse my charges to what they had initially estimated. I paid $2855. I agreed to $700, and the $664 for the additional 24 hrs. That equals $1364. I paid $1491 more than I had signed for and agreed to pay. I should be reimbursed the $1491 that they added after knowledge of my situation and played on my sympathy for my son.
We received the attached complaint letter from Ms *** on October 30th. I reviewed the letter with Dr J and Dr L. Dr L reached out to Ms *** on November 1st, leaving both mine and his contact information. Ms *** returned a call on November 13th. On November 14th at 4:16pm I spoke with Ms *** regarding concerns, she understands the care that was given but wishes that she was given other options. O notes that *** was stable enough to wait until the next morning to go to her rDVM and that is what should of happened. I explained I am not a DVM but I can comment that when *** presented he was critical and I am unsure if he would of survived without treatment, per Dr Power's notes. Ms *** notes that her friend brought their dog in that was bitten by a snake and was only charged $800. I told her I could not comment on someone else's charges. Also discussed that there at times when unfortunately there are not many options of the care that a patient requires, however if alternative treatment plans can be presented they are. Ms *** notes that she understands our stance and if we are not going to refund her then she will do what she has to do. Ms *** notes that she will talk to other people and go from there and hung up on me. I didn't discuss refunding vs not refunding anything, as Ms *** continued to interrupt me when I was trying to talk to her.
Attached you will find complete copies of medical records noting all discussions about financials and treatment plans (doctor notes are included below), an approved signed estimate which was approved by Ms *** after speaking to Dr P, verbal discussion from Dr H regarding continued care. Total charges for care were $2491 which Ms *** continued to approve throughout the process. Owners are presented with treatment plans which they can approve or decline. At times they are presented with multiple estimates depending on the care the patient requires. Some cases require an estimate for initial treatment and diagnostics until we learn more about what is going on with the pet then a more thorough treatment plan can be created. These are all discussed with clients as the case proceeds.
05-30-2017, Chris P, DVM
Explained to owner that *** has a urethral obstruction and that he was very critical at this time. I reviewed results of the initial ISTAT chem 8. Explained to the owner that *** may not survive through the night.
I discussed the life threatening nature of urethral obstructions, the potential causes, potential complications (azotemia, chronic renal compromise, hyperkalemia, ruptured bladder, cardiac arrhythmias, anemia from blood loss through the urine), and the aggressive in-hospital care it will take to give *** the best chance possible for a full recovery. Explained to the owner that the urethra will need to be unblocked under sedation (once *** is more stable). A soft temporary urinary catheter is placed once the obstruction is relieved and the pet is hospitalized with supportive care for at least 48hrs. The urinary catheter is normally kept in place for 36hrs prior to pulling it. Once pulled, the cat is monitored in the hospital for another 12hrs to make sure he does not reobstruct. Up to 50% of cats can become reobstructed once the catheter is pulled (within hours or not until weeks/months down the road). Some cats do require a blood transfusion if they have lost a significant amount blood through the urine. Some cats also require a cystotomy if bladder stones are present. A PU surgery is an option with the surgical specialist or rDVM to help minimize the chances for an obstruction. Some cats are put on a long term prescription urinary diet if crystals or calculi are present. Owner approved diagnostics and hospitalization and understands that *** may not survive through the night
05-30-2017, Kelsey H, DVM -Spoke with owners and updated on condition, previous dx. Noted although some values have shown improvement since presentation, condition remains extremeley ciritcal with potential to decline/pass *** at any time. Noted multiple days of protracted intensive care requ
Spoke with owners and updated on condition as described above. Owner has consulted with rDVM who will manage *** starting tomororw morning - will call in morning to update rDVM. Noted that ***'s condition remains critical and still potenetial to decline at any time. Ideally stay @ 24hour facility - owner declined due to finances. Owner notes financial constraints. Elects to pick up prior to 8am. To cut down on expense declined PCV/TS and i-stat Chem 8 tomorrow morning prior to discharge - will have rDVM run BW. Reviewed proposed changes to tx plan as described below. Owner to p/u @ 7am
06-05-2017, Christopher P, DVM
Called and spoke with Mrs. Laparo for an update on ***. He had a PU surgery with the rDVM and is still hospitalized. He is stable at this time.
Dr. Christopher P
I do not accept the response from the Veterinary Care Specialists.
My frustration with this organization is less with me, but mainly for those, like my son, who cannot afford to give care to their injured/sick pet without hardship to their family. This organization is not about the care of animals, it is about the money. I know it takes money to run a business, that is acceptable. But it is unacceptable to take advantage of people in a time of crisis.
In response to their submission, it is accurate I played phone tag with the Dr., he was out of town and then we could not connect. I was not willing to wait another week to have a discussion so I spoke with the office manager. She repeated their scenario that care was provided and that payment was agreed and made, she repeated this several times. I did end the conversation as it was going in circles and obvious to me that they were not listening to my concerns. I told her the conversation with her was over and I did hang up.
I repeat my concern that the company was able to charge any amount they chose as they knew I was in a difficult position as it was middle of the night and I could not consult with my son. I find it interesting that the document they did not provide in their submission was the initial form I signed that indicated it would be up to $700.00 for treatment. The estimate before I talked about my son. I did not receive a copy of that form either.
I fully believe that this company is not interested in the patient, they are interested in the money. They indicated in their response they give options when available. The only option I received was to pay $2190 or "the cat may die". I indicated several times that I would prefer my vet treat ***. Repeatedly, that night and the next day, I was told that I needed to keep my cat in their care as he was critical and my vet could not monitor as closely. While that may be the case, I knew that my vet actually cared about providing the best care at an affordable cost.
I felt like they were almost bullying me into keeping *** at their facility, stating if he was removed he may not live, and making me feel like if I moved him I would be responsible if he passed. It was a horrible position to be in while I was invested in keeping *** alive, but the price was beyond reason. I was told that it would be approx $800/day for continued care and treatment. If they needed to do the surgery it would be several thousand for just the operation.
As much as we love our pets, they are family, there is a limit to what we can invest into their care. My son is in the Air Force and actually qualifies for assistance for groceries because of their low pay. The amount that this organization charged and wanted to continue to charge for care of a cat, was beyond reasonable. He was in their care for approx 36 hrs and it was a couple thousand dollars. It was more than my son brings home in a month. And if I had followed their advice it would have been several thousand more.
I do not accept their actions or response. I was not given options and I think their business practice is unethical and unacceptable.
It appears that we will not resolve this situation as we have opposite opinions of fair and reasonable treatment.
***, thank you for your assistance in submitting my response. I did attach a picture of *** and my son.
Sincerely