Frequently Asked Questions

VIP Neurology is a comprehensive outpatient specialty experience with an investment of $2,000. This includes your initial consultation, personalized diagnostic planning, care coordination, direct communication with your primary veterinarian, and continued specialist guidance for the first 6 months of your pet's treatment journey. When considered over the course of its 6 months, that's approximately $300 per month for ongoing access to board-certified neurologic expertise and coordinated specialty care.

No. The VIP Neurology consultation fee is separate from the cost of the MRI and other advanced diagnostics. Your consultation includes the comprehensive neurologic examination, direct communication with Dr. Rich, personalized diagnostic and treatment planning, coordination of your diagnostic day, and continued follow-up care. The imaging center will bill separately for the MRI, anesthesia, spinal tap, and related imaging services. A detailed estimate will be provided in advance.

VIP Neurology appointments are held at Animal Imaging in Irving, Texas, where Dr. Rich partners with the imaging team to provide a coordinated outpatient specialty experience. This location offers advanced diagnostic capabilities, including MRI and spinal tap, allowing your pet's consultation and diagnostics to be streamlined in one setting.

Yes. Both VIP Neurology and Virtual Neurology begin with a patient referral from your primary care veterinarian. This ensures Dr. Rich has the medical history, examination findings, and diagnostic information needed to determine their most appropriate care pathway.

Every case is personally reviewed by Dr. Rich. The recommendation is based on the patient's neurologic condition, stability, diagnostic needs, and the level of specialty involvement that will best support the patient, pet parent, and referring veterinarian.

Once the referral has been reviewed, the appropriate care pathway is determined. If VIP Neurology is recommended, the pet parent receives scheduling and payment information. If Virtual Neurology is the better fit, the referring veterinarian receives the next steps to arrange the teleconsultation.

Absolutely. Collaboration is central to both care pathways. Dr. Rich works alongside your primary care veterinarian to ensure recommendations, diagnostics, and follow-up care remain coordinated.

No. Your primary care veterinarian remains the cornerstone of your pet's healthcare, providing comprehensive medical care throughout every stage of life. Dr. Rich provides specialized neurologic expertise, working in partnership with your veterinarian to diagnose and manage neurologic conditions specifically.

For VIP Neurology patients, you will receive clear instructions regarding communication before and after your initial consultation. For Virtual Neurology patients, communication and medical recommendations are provided through your primary care veterinarian to preserve the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).

Not always. Some patients are better served by immediate hospitalization or a traditional specialty referral. If another approach is recommended, Dr. Rich will discuss the reasoning with your veterinarian.

Cases are reviewed as promptly as possible. Once a determination has been made, the appropriate party—either the pet owner or referring veterinarian—will receive instructions for scheduling and next steps.

No. VIP Neurology is designed for stable patients who can be safely evaluated and managed on an outpatient basis. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency or requires hospitalization, prompt evaluation at a local emergency veterinary hospital is the safest and most appropriate next step. Consultation can then be requested at scheduled times by the attending emergency veterinarian, with recommendations provided through Virtual Neurology.

That's okay. We've intentionally kept this page focused on the questions we hear most often. If there's something else you'd like to know, simply click the Contact button below. We're always happy to help you determine the best next step for your pet or your patient.