The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), based in Lakewood, has launched its 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines aimed at improving the veterinary referral process through enhanced communication, technology, and a focus on pet and family experiences.
“Effective and efficient communication between primary and specialty care teams is a critical component of true family-centered practice and necessary for best patient outcomes,” said Jessica Vogelsang, AAHA chief medical officer. “It is our hope that these updated referral guidelines offer guidance for best practices in today’s digital world to help practitioners gain clarity on roles and responsibilities, streamline coordination of care, and minimize confusion.”
The updated guidelines provide best practices for collaboration between primary care and specialty veterinarians, with the goal of enhancing patient care and client satisfaction. Key highlights include:
- Building client trust: A structured referral process fosters client confidence and strengthens veterinary relationships.
- Timely referrals improve outcomes: Coordinated referrals can extend survival times, enhance quality of life, and significantly boost client satisfaction.
- Effective communication: Digital tools, such as web-based portals, improve case management and collaboration.
- Cost transparency: Clear discussions about referral costs reduce stress and set realistic client expectations.
This release is the second installment in a three-part guideline series aimed at advancing family-centered veterinary practice, with the final part focusing on One Health. The 2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines are supported by CareCredit.