Frequently Asked Questions – and Answers
What does SAIM Teleconsultants offer?
SAIM Teleconsultants provides virtual access to a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist, Dr. Suzanne Benedict, for general practitioners managing complex medical cases. We know that today’s veterinarians face a growing number of cases involving multiple disease processes, all while navigating time constraints and increasing client expectations.
Our goal is to support primary care veterinarians by offering expert insight, personalized recommendations, and continuity of care—so you can confidently manage internal medicine cases within your own practice.
How will SAIM Teleconsultants provide value to me and my clients/patients?
Teleconsultation offers a collaborative way to manage advanced cases in-house, keeping both the patient and revenue within your practice. It also helps:
- Support clients who are unable or unwilling to pursue specialty referral due to geographic, financial, or personal limitations
- Maintain the trusted veterinarian-client-patient relationship
- Reduce client and patient stress by avoiding unnecessary travel or transitions in care
- Ensure referrals, when needed, are timely, appropriate, and based on a well-documented diagnostic workup
By bridging the gap between general practice and specialty care, SAIM Teleconsultants strengthens your role as the lead provider while giving you access to specialty-level insight.
How do I schedule a virtual SAIM teleconsultation?
You can book your appointment via our online scheduling link. Please complete the SAIM Teleconsultation Questionnaire Form and upload all relevant materials, including:
- Complete medical records
- Laboratory and imaging reports
- Diagnostic images (as applicable)
All documents must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to allow time for a thorough review.
Who retains primary responsibility for the patient’s care?
You do. As the primary care veterinarian, you remain the managing clinician. SAIM Teleconsultants provides specialist input, recommendations, and clinical support, but all case decisions and treatments are carried out under your supervision.
Should I pass the cost of the teleconsultation to the pet owner?
Yes. SAIM Teleconsultation services provide direct involvement from a board-certified internal medicine specialist and offer a valuable alternative to traditional specialty referral. These services are intended to benefit the pet and can be billed as a consult fee, just as you would for any external lab or referral service. Passing this cost to the pet owner is both appropriate and expected.
