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Cost Of A Specialist?


GoldD
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I have a sick boy who the vets cannot diagnose. We have been referred to a specialist on Monday. Now I know this is going to cost me and thank goodness we have insurance but does anyone know the cost approx for a first consult?

Just want to make sure I have enough cash on me and as I didnt make the appt (my vet did) I didnt get the opportunity to ask.

I'm sure the cost will come with all the tests they run, whatever they happen to be. My poor boy, I just want him better :D

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It depends on the specialist, but as a guide, an eye specialist charges around $165 and a small animal surgeon charges about $150.

What ever they charge, specialists are worth every cent.

Best wishes for your dog. :D

ETA: these costs are for the initial consultation. Subsequent consultations are considerably less.

Edited by Elfin
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Can I ask who you are seeing?

$200 should cover the consultation, but make sure you get them to explain the costs of any tests they are doing along the way...

For example, measuring the pressure inside the eye (tonometry) can be done within the consultation, but can add up to $40 to your bill. It all adds up quickly. Let them know at the outset that costs are a concern.

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Matt Reeves the at the Southern Animal Referral Centre in Moorabbin - small animal medicine specialist.

I just tried to call them for cost (why did I not do this first...idiot me!) and $165.00 for first visit and then further costs would be discussed then.

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They are WONDERFUL at SARC.

I have my dog's cardiac certificates done there and have also used their emergency services for all my dogs (and the cat!) at some point over the years.

You could not be in better hands.

Good luck for Monday; I am sure Matt will get you some answers.

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Our eye specialist was about $80 for the first consult (I think$60 susequently - this is consult only). And basic testing using just instrumens they have there seems to add around $20 to the bill. But as soon as there is more comprehensive testing required it jumps up, and obviously any meds add to the price.

If meds are required find out if the canine med is the same as the human one. Human meds are still heaps cheaper than vet ones even when they aren't PBS, and your vet can write a script that can be filled at a pharmacy. Most of Emma's eye related meds I get at the pharmacy as they are identical to the vet product other than the label (so 3 sets of eye drops and blood pressure tabs - all this costs about $80 at the pharmacy and would be closer to $150 if I was buying the vet version of the products. And they are all on prescription). So check as this could help you save a little bit.

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Mindy's first derm visit cost me just under $300. This included medications and some other tests.

Her next one will likely be around $600 though.

How much was her initial consult alone, if I can ask? I am looking at $150 initial consult for a derm visit but will get some off that being a vet student.

Edited by Lyndsay
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Mindy's first derm visit cost me just under $300. This included medications and some other tests.

Her next one will likely be around $600 though.

How much was her initial consult alone, if I can ask? I am looking at $150 initial consult for a derm visit but will get some off that being a vet student.

It was around $180 I think. It was quite expensive for the skin scraping and cytology though!

The intradermal testing is $350 :thumbsup: and allergy vaccines around $300 for 6 months.

We only get a 15% discount at sydney uni.

I think 150 sounds pretty reasonable, especially if you get a good discount :thumbsup:

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What ever they charge, specialists are worth every cent.

Yes, they are. They might cost twice as much as your local vet but they will diagnose the problem in half the time.

However, you should do your homework first. Get the specialist's name and Google him/her for details of experience (do they lecture at local universities, overseas, have they published papers on their speciality?).

You will pay the same for a specialist who has just earned accreditation as one who has specialised in their field for many years and is an international authority in their field. You're paying premium prices, so make sure you get the best.

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Mindy's first derm visit cost me just under $300. This included medications and some other tests.

Her next one will likely be around $600 though.

How much was her initial consult alone, if I can ask? I am looking at $150 initial consult for a derm visit but will get some off that being a vet student.

It was around $180 I think. It was quite expensive for the skin scraping and cytology though!

The intradermal testing is $350 :laugh: and allergy vaccines around $300 for 6 months.

We only get a 15% discount at sydney uni.

I think 150 sounds pretty reasonable, especially if you get a good discount :o

Thanks! :o 25% discount here but we are the first group through so things may change in the future.

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