Ethics: Ethical Considerations of Referral Cases

By Stacy Anderson, DVM, MVSc, Ph.D., DACVS-LA

The cornerstone of a successful and ethical case referral is communication— with your client, with the referral practice, and with any additional players that vary with case, such as trainers, haulers, etc. Based on most veterinary practice acts, any licensed veterinarian may receive a referred case or refer a case to another licensed veterinarian.
The question left unanswered by a veterinary practice act is at what point should a patient be referred?