Hi Kristin,
I’m so sorry that you and your beloved Koji are going through this. I’m sure it is heartbreaking. Please post back with any updates.
In regards to the specialists asking to see Koji and being compensated for their time in reviewing the case they may be legally bound to do so. Most if not all states require the patient be examined before making medical recommendations. For me it is a red flag for any Dr to do otherwise.
There is a ‘loophole” if you want to call it that. If your Dr, who is the treating Dr, wants an opinion on his/her case than your Dr can consult with another Dr, but the Dr who is legally responsible for the case remains your original Dr. The consulting Dr. can not recommend to you, the owner, what to be done nor converse with you about the case. This is why “Our vet is going to contact another IM doctor and get there opinion.” is legal but you calling the IM Dr and asking for them to give you an opinion is not.
I think these Dr. to Dr. types of consults are often done as professional courtesy if it is just a short sweet few minutes phone call. But if extended…. the Dr being consulted may ask to be compensated for his/her time and the consulting Dr would then pass that charge on to you.
I hope this helps in some small way for you to understand why none of the specialists you called would review the records at your request without seeing Koji.
