FAQs:
You Ask? We Answer.
Before Your Appointment
- Call, Text, or Email to schedule an appointment @ 800.403.5408 (For Veterinarians Only)
- Submit Patient Form @ www.charlestonmobile.net
- Email laboratory/radiographs if available to: info@charlestonmobile.net .
Day of The Appointment
- Patient dropped off prior to scheduled appointment window
- Prep patient (shave, IV catheter, sedation etc.)
- 1-2 staff members for restraint (depending on temperament, sedation, cardiac)
- Approx. 20 minutes scan time
Due to liability and insurance reasons, clients cannot be present or restrain their pets during the sonogram. Please do not ask us to break this rule, as it is not optional for us to do so.
After The Appointment
- Reports available for viewing/downloading within 24 hours for routine; less than 6 hours for STAT
- Access reports at: reports.sonopath.com
Cancellation Of The Appointment
The courtesy cancellation window is 24 hours before the appointment time, and every effort to cancel in that time frame is encouraged and appreciated. However, we do understand that medicine is unpredictable. If last minute cancellations become habitual, or if the cancellation is made within 2 hours of your scheduled appointment window, a cancellation fee of $60 may apply.
Completed patient history form – this should include a summarized history of the case, and should be completed prior to the appointment so that Dr. Nicastro can familiarize herself with the case.
Current laboratory findings and any radiograph interpretation reports – up to 3 current radiographs (per pertinent cavity) – these will be used by Dr. Nicastro as a reference tool to supplement the sonographic findings.
If you would like a diagnostic radiographic interpretation & report, we recommend submission directly through our teleradiology service via SonoPath at: spa.sonopath.com
Dr. Nicastro will interpret all abdominal ultrasounds but we have multiple types of specialists available throughout the week to help consult with echocardiograms.
We will try our best to accommodate your request for a specific specialist. If they are not available, we will forward your case to the next available specialist. If you wish to wait for your preferred specialist, please let us know.
Dr. Nicastro and any other SonoPath specialist is available, by email, for anything on the report that needs further clarification. If their email is not listed on the report, you may contact them via Sonopath at: info@sonopath.com and your message will be forwarded to the specialist.
Your clients should not directly contact the specialist. If this occurs, the owner will be redirected back to you to go through the proper channels. You, as the facility, are legally our client, as we do not have a client/patient relationship with the pet.
If Dr. Nicastro identifies abnormalities, she can perform ultrasound-guided needle aspirates, abdominocentesis or pericardiocentesis at the time of exam, if indicated. At drop-off, consent for potential sedation and FNA should be obtained from the owner. Let us know if you need sample consent forms!
All decisions to perform sampling procedures are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian and based on owner consent. Dr. Nicastro will give her indications on what should be sampled for diagnostic effectiveness and how to safely sample with ultrasound-guidance.
Coagulation panels are the gold standard prior to sampling. Current blood work performed within 3 days should be available before any sampling occurs. At minimum, a PCV/TS and platelet count should be done prior to sampling.
Routine turnaround time is within 24 hours. However, that turnaround time cannot begin until all case information and images are received.
STAT turnaround times are less than 6 hours based on availability, once all case information and images are received, as well as specialist prior approval is obtained.
Charleston Mobile Veterinary Services will be obtaining this approval. Note that unless Charleston Mobile Veterinary Services has been advised of a STAT request prior to the appointment, there may be a delay or STAT services may not be available at that time.
If sending to another specialist for consultation, Dr. Nicastro expects to send your case immediately after the scan. If all case information has not been received by that time, Dr. Nicastro will send once it is received and there is available time to send the case. The turn around times will start once Dr. Nicastro is able to submit all case information to SonoPath.