Q: What is veterinary telehealth?
A: Veterinary telehealth is the use of electronic technologies, such as video conferencing, to provide veterinary medical information and care remotely. At LightSpring, we use secure video calls to evaluate, consult, and provide guidance for your animals’ health concerns.
Q: Is LightSpring a replacement for my regular veterinarian?
A: No. LightSpring is designed to complement, not replace, your regular veterinary care. We work in partnership with your primary veterinarian and strongly encourage annual in-person examinations for all animals.
Q: Where does LightSpring provide services?
A: We currently serve animal owners throughout Virginia only, as veterinary telemedicine requires state licensure.
Q: What types of animals do you work with?
A: We provide telehealth services for companion animals (dogs and cats), horses, and farm animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.)
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You can schedule through our online booking system on this website. We’ll need some basic information about you and your animal before your first appointment.
See our ‘How to Schedule an Appointment’ document under the Services tab
Q: How long are appointments?
A: Initial consultations are 30 minutes, while follow-up appointments are 15 minutes.
Q: What should I do before my telehealth appointment?
A: Before your appointment, you’ll need to:
Q: What if my internet connection fails during the appointment?
A: If technical difficulties occur, we’ll immediately try to reconnect. If that’s not possible, we’ll contact you by email to reschedule or complete the consultation by phone if appropriate.
Q: Are you able to serve clients living in other states?
A: No. We are only licensed to provide care for those residing in the state of Virginia.
Q: Can you prescribe medications through telehealth?
A: Yes, we can prescribe many medications after a proper virtual consultation. These can be shipped directly to your home or sent to a local pharmacy. However, some medications require an in-person examination by law.
Q: What types of conditions can be assessed through telehealth?
A: We can address many conditions, including skin problems, minor injuries, behavioral concerns, nutritional counseling, chronic disease management, and follow-up care. However, some conditions require physical examination and cannot be fully assessed virtually.
See our complete list of visits under the ‘Services’ tab
Q: What conditions are NOT appropriate for telehealth?
A: Emergency situations, severe illness, conditions requiring physical palpation, or cases where lab work or imaging is likely needed should be seen in person. If we determine your animal needs immediate in-person care, we’ll help direct you to appropriate resources.
Q: How will I receive my treatment plan?
A: Following your appointment, we’ll email a detailed treatment plan and any necessary prescriptions.
Q: How much do telehealth appointments cost?
A: Our current fee structure is $75 for a 30-minute consult, $50 for a 15-minute follow-up consult. We believe in transparent pricing and will always discuss any additional costs before proceeding.
Q: Do you accept pet insurance?
A: While we don’t directly bill insurance companies, we provide detailed receipts that you can submit to your pet insurance for potential reimbursement. Check with your insurance provider about their telehealth coverage policies.
Q: Is my animal’s information kept confidential?
A: Absolutely. We adhere to strict confidentiality standards and use secure, encrypted platforms for all video consultations and data storage.
We will share your records with your regular veterinarian upon request.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We request a 2-hour notice for cancellations/rescheduling. Late cancellations may incur a $25 charge.
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