Frequently Asked Questions
(For Vets)
What are the costs?
The initial online consultation fee with a standard turnaround time of 3-4 business days is $300 AUD. Faster reporting times are available for an additional fee. Follow-ups for ongoing case management are $100 AUD per contact, with a brief follow-up fee of $40 AUD per contact. Additionally, The Pet Oncologist can provide handouts and other resources for a small additional fee.
What is included in an initial online consultation?
An initial online consultation includes a thorough review of the case and a comprehensive written report. This report will include an interpretation of results, specific details about the cancer's biologic behaviour and prognosis, and multiple treatment options to cater to the individual needs of the pet. I will also provide recommendations for your patient’s next diagnostic steps and address any specific questions or concerns that you may have.
How will I receive the report?
Your report will be emailed to you within the selected turnaround time. The time for reports to come back depends on the option chosen, with turnaround times ranging from same-day to up to 4 business days. If you have not received your report within the specified timeframe, please email info@thepetoncologist.com. We recommend adding our email address to your address book and checking your spam folder to ensure timely receipt of your report.
How do I submit a case for review?
You can submit your initial online consultation request by clicking here. You will be directed to an online submission form where you can fill in all the relevant information, upload medical records and results, and provide any specific questions or concerns that you may have. Alternatively, you can click here to fill in an initial online consultation form manually. Then email the form along with your files to info@thepetoncologist.com.
What is your turnaround time?
You will receive a report within the selected turnaround time. The time for reports to come back depends on the option chosen, with turnaround times ranging from same-day to up to 4 business days.
How will you bill me?
Invoices will be emailed to the treating veterinarian/veterinary hospital's nominated email address for billing. An invoice will be issued after the first consultation report or follow-up that month. The due date for payment is the 7th of the following month. Any follow-up consultations and advice within the month will be added to the same invoice. On the last day of each month, any unpaid amounts on the invoice will be finalised and re-issued. Payments must be made by the 7th of the following month. All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD). Payments made within Australia can be made via direct deposit, PayID, direct debit, credit card, or PayPal. Payments outside of Australia can be made via credit card or PayPal. Payments via credit card incur 1.7% credit card processing fee. The due date for payment is 7 days from the date of the invoice. Please do not include your client/pet owner's email address for billings. You are welcome to forward the invoices directly to your clients/pet owners. However, any unpaid invoices will be the responsibility of the veterinarian/veterinary hospital. If you would like to discuss a specific payment arrangement, please contact The Pet Oncologist.
Can you consult directly with pet owners?
No. Regrettably, in compliance with veterinary licensing legislation and legal requirements, I am unable to provide online, Zoom, or phone consultations or offer pet cancer advice directly to pet owners. For all online consultations, I collaborate with general practice veterinarians or specialist veterinarians. I depend on your veterinary physical assessment and treatment capabilities. I highly value the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and do not provide advice directly to pet owners to avoid the risk of offering inaccurate guidance without physically examining the patient and accessing their complete medical records during each visit. I provide veterinarians with information to convey to pet owners.
Are you available after hours?
The Pet Oncologist operates Monday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm AEST. Unfortunately, The Pet Oncologist is not readily available after hours. I will certainly do my best but cannot guarantee after-hours availability. If your enquiry is urgent, please contact your nearest emergency or after-hours specialist hospital.
Are you available for telephone or Zoom consultations?
No. The Pet Oncologist does not provide Zoom or telephone consultations. The Pet Oncologist is an online consultation service that communities to veterinarians, primarily via email. However, if you request a phone call, a $50 additional fee will apply.
How is The Pet Oncologist different from other veterinary oncologists who can provide me with free or cheaper phone calls or email advice?
Whilst the information provided can be similar to other veterinary oncologists, The Pet Oncologist is primarily an online service that will take the time to evaluate each case thoroughly. The Pet Oncologist provides more time to review your patient with written recommendations that you can share with your clients. You will also receive the same veterinary oncologist follow-up and a fast response to all enquiries during business hours.
What if my patient needs diagnostic tests or treatment recommendations that we cannot offer?
The Pet Oncologist will always provide the very best care in terms of recommended diagnostic tests and treatment recommendations. However, I understand that there are sometimes limitations in what is available or what can be offered. Therefore, I will work with you to provide the best possible care with your skills and resources. I provide multiple treatment options to cater to the individual needs of the pet and pet owners. I can also help you locate the nearest diagnostic providers, veterinary oncologists or specialist hospitals in your area.
