2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Referral requirements vary significantly among veterinary specialists and hospitals.
• Current referral processes can be inconsistent, impacting patient care and client experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose structured guidelines for optimizing the veterinary patient referral process.
• To enhance collaboration and communication between primary and specialty care veterinary teams.
• To improve the client and patient experience during veterinary referrals.

Main Methods:

• Development of a structured, technology-based approach to veterinary referrals.
• Emphasis on a family-centered healthcare model for veterinary patients.
• Defined roles, communication strategies, and timelines for referral processes.

Main Results:

• Guidelines promote consistent collaboration between primary and specialty care teams.
• Focus on detailed and timely communication, including medical records sharing.
• Addresses client communication needs regarding costs, prognoses, and ongoing care.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of these guidelines can lead to more successful veterinary referral relationships.
• Strategies for increasing access to care through team optimization and telehealth are considered.
• Identifies and suggests solutions for potential obstacles in the veterinary referral process.