You'd be surprised to know how often a dog or a cat goes to the veterinarian with a problem serious enough to warrant treatment and we never actually figure out what caused the problem in the first place. We may run a battery of tests, take radiographs, order an MRI, an EKG and still end up stumped.
That does not mean that the dog or cat doesn't get treated and doesn't recover. It means we never know exactly what caused the illness in the first place.
Vomiting,
diarrhea, fever and lack of appetite are non specific signs that can result from any number of causes and when a pet comes in with non specific signs, it represents a diagnostic dilemma for the veterinarian.
In many cases it really doesn't matter in the end because the patient responds to the treatment plan aimed at the obvious symptoms. Antibiotics, fluid therapy, corticosteroids and patient monitoring will usually result in a successful outcome. Our egos may suffer a bit, but a healthy patient is the ultimate goal and most vets and the vast majority of Pet Parents are just fine with that.
Some pet health insurance companies are not OK without a definitive diagnosis though. Some pet health insurance companies base their payments on a diagnosis. They may have a complicated fee schedule too, that dictates a certain dollar amount that they will reimburse but only if there is a diagnosis attached to the claim form.
Lot's of veterinarians and pet owners complain about this and it puts a vet in an awkward position. They are forced to play games with the insurance provider and offer up a diagnosis even if they don't have one. They don't want their client left out in the cold.
We don't require a diagnosis on the claim form to determine or pay benefits. We'd like a diagnosis for statistical reasons, but since we are a company with several vets in senior management positions we understand what vets go through in certain circumstances. And we know sometimes there is not a diagnosis. No matter. We'll pay 80% of the covered charges including diagnostic procedures, treatment and any required follow up. The owner has to pay their deductible and 20% co-pay and then we come in.
We don't use a complicated fee schedule to determine benefits or limit coverage based on a fee schedule. We pay 80% of what the veterinarian determines is needed to manage the case after the deductible and co-pay is met. Oh, we do have a $20,000 annual limit, but few people, if any, will ever be that unlucky and reach this limit. It re-sets every year, too.
Pretty simple. Our goal is not to limit choices or set limits on treatment. Our goal is to help you provide a lifetime of care for your special pet.