Understanding the Benefits of Referral Relationships

When your pet has a health concern, your primary care veterinarian is often your first call. They know your pet’s history and provide essential routine and ongoing care. But sometimes, your pet may benefit from the additional expertise of a Board-certified veterinary specialist.

A referral doesn’t mean your primary care veterinarian is stepping away. Instead, it brings another expert onto your pet’s care team. This partnership between you, your primary care veterinarian and a veterinary specialist is known as the Triad of Care.

What Is the Triad of Care?

The Triad of Care is a collaborative approach that puts your pet at the center. Each member of the team plays an important role.

You know your pet best and can share changes in their behavior, symptoms and quality of life. Your primary care veterinarian understands your pet’s overall health and medical history. A Board-certified veterinary specialist brings advanced training and expertise in a specific area of veterinary medicine.

By communicating and working together, all three members of the Triad of Care can make more informed decisions about your pet’s health.

When a veterinary specialist can help

Similar to human medicine, veterinary specialists focus on specific areas of animal health, such as internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology and nutrition. They complete advanced training and have specialized knowledge and tools to diagnose and treat complex conditions.

Your veterinarian may recommend a specialist when your pet’s diagnosis is unclear, symptoms aren’t improving, advanced testing is needed or a condition requires specialized treatment or long-term management.

A referral doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. In some cases, involving a veterinary specialist sooner can help the veterinary team find answers and begin appropriate treatment earlier.

Working together for your pet

Communication is an important part of the Triad of Care. Your primary care veterinarian can share medical records, test results and treatment history with the specialist. After evaluating your pet, the specialist can share their findings and recommendations with you and your veterinarian.

Depending on your pet’s needs, the specialist may provide treatment directly, your primary care veterinarian may manage ongoing care, or both may remain involved.

And you’re an important part of that communication. Sharing what you notice at home, keeping an updated medication list and asking questions can give your veterinary team valuable information.