Has your horse been referred to a vet. Hospital ?

[rosie]

My vet has referred my horse to leahurst for investigations of a lameness problem? My vet has sent me a £24 bill which is a charge for writing a referral letter. Just wondered if this is the norm? Have asked a couple of other people about their vets & they don't charge. I also work for a large small animal practice and we don't charge.

[jill]

I have never been charged for a referral - for Caspar to go to Leahurst 14 years ago nor to the local Equine horspital about 4 years ago, and the vet who referred him then charges for prescriptions. Sounds a bit much to me - have you queried it?

[kathrynp]

Yes it is normal. It is an administration fee and probably took the vet at least 30mins to write so as professional fees go that is cheap. Insurance companies don't usually pay it either I'm afraid.

[rosie]

Well I think it is a bit much! I've already paid a £25 'insurance correspondence fee' which states to cover all admin costs. I did query it and they said have I not received referral fees details which I haven't. Also I did also say that I would want to make sure the claim was accepted first , which I am still waiting to hear about

[emma]

My pony was referred to a vet hospital 7 years ago and I wasn't charged. I'd be a bit annoyed and question it

[sarahbing]

Yes, perfectly normal I'm afraid and as Kathryn P says, not usually covered on insurance..

[jill]

Is this another example of EAT?

[rosie]

Whats EAT?

[jill]

Equine Added Tax