How we work

Making a referral to WearAt Wear Referrals, we can only see patients referred by the veterinary practice or the veterinary surgeon who is treating the patient. Veterinary surgeons can phone us directly to discuss a patient prior to referral, or just for advice on a case.

When referring a patient, please send us the full clinical history, any lab results and radiographs. Ideally, please send us all the information electronically by email as this saves paper and makes archiving of information easier.

You can also fill in a referral form or download a referral form in PDF format and fax it to us. Please provide as much information as possible, as this will ensure the correct department assesses the case and the most appropriate vet sees the pet.

Owners

Please inform the owners that we will contact them directly from our County Durham practice once we have received the clinical history and referral form to make an appointment. We can then arrange a suitable time and date to see the patient and discuss finances with the owners.

We will also instruct the owners about case specifics, such as having their pets fasted and taking video footage before referral for some neurological and orthopaedic patients.

When phoning us, please state the urgency of the patient to be referred (e.g. emergency or routine), and we will determine an available appointment.

Costs

We are often able to process direct insurance claims for urgent cases as long as we have the full clinical history and the insurance details.

Our approachable team take the time needed to discuss treatment options with pet owners, tailoring treatment plans and ensuring they are fully informed and happy, understanding that there is no-pressure to go ahead with treatment but offering advanced diagnostic tests and treatments appropriate for the health problem. 

The likely costs of treatment will be discussed with the referring vets and owners, and an estimate provided ahead of any treatment taking place.

Some patients need more treatment and aftercare than expected, while some might not need surgery at all. For more routine operations, a more accurate estimate or fixed price can be given.