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Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the exam fee?
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$130, due at the time of exam for WALK-INS. Taken as a deposit when an APPOINTMENT is made.
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Payment can be made with cash, debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
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What are the wait times?
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Wait times for walk-ins can, at times, be as much as 2-4 hours. This is affected by many factors including caseload, the severity of the illness of patients, the need for client counseling, and staffing levels. We do our best to report accurate wait times over the phone and in person.
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We work hard to keep scheduled appointments on time. We do our best to clearly communicate any delays upon your arrival.
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How do I check-in for urgent care services?
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Check-in forms will be completed in the clinic, at the time of arrival for both walk-ins and appointments.
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Please call ahead for wait times for walk-in services or to schedule a same- or next-day appointment.
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What are Riverbend’s payment options?
The cost of unexpected veterinary care can be especially stressful at a time when you want to be most focused on your pet’s health. We offer several financing options so you can spread the cost of care over time.
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CareCredit is a personal line of credit for veterinary care. It works like a credit card that is used for your pet’s healthcare services. If your pet is ill and needs extensive medical treatment (immediate or long-term, medical or surgery), CareCredit can finance 100% of your pet’s needs with no up-front costs, no annual fees, and no pre-payment penalties. Your pet’s treatment can begin immediately upon approval.
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Scratchpay provides you with simple, transparent payment plans. It isn’t a credit card. It breaks your bill into monthly payments with a simple APR interest rate and no hidden fees. Checking which plans you qualify for does will NOT affect your credit score. Once a plan is offered, it is valid for 30 days- it is best to apply for this at the time of service.
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Other Financial Support Tips:
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Ask your friends or family to co-sign for Care Credit or Scratchpay or if you can borrow money from them.
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Ask us about other community resources that may be available to you and your pet.
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While your pet is healthy, consider pet insurance. At Riverbend, we partner with Trupanion, a sickness and accident insurance plan that pays the veterinarian directly (minus your deductible) for approved claims. You don't have to pay upfront and then wait for reimbursement!
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How are you different from my primary care veterinarian?
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Just like your primary care doctor, a primary care veterinarian manages your pet’s healthcare throughout their life. We are strong advocates for the essential work that these veterinary clinics do. When you are concerned that your pet is sick or injured, we encourage you first contact your primary care veterinarian. We are here to help fill the gap in care when a pet needs to be evaluated within 3 days from the onset of symptoms and your primary care veterinarian cannot accommodate this need.
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Is my pet too sick to visit an Urgent Care?
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This is not a question that you need to answer! Our expert team has a strong foundation in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine -- we are here to help sort this out. Sometimes, we can determine that a pet is critically ill from information provided over the phone or at initial triage. Other times, this becomes more apparent as we move through medical assessment and initial diagnostics. If we find that your pet is critically ill, we will walk you through all options from continued diagnostics and/or care at a 24/7 ER & Specialty clinic to palliative care or euthanasia.
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