Spectrum of Care in Veterinary Medicine: Revisited
Spectrum of care isn’t a new concept, but it has recently gained traction in veterinary medicine.
This ongoing dialogue has opened important conversations across the profession among veterinarians at different stages of their careers and in every type of practice.
Does your clinic already practice along a spectrum of care on a daily basis? The answer is almost certainly yes. Here’s the harder question: Are you documenting your medical records thoroughly enough when practicing along that spectrum?
A recent Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) article by Dr. Venit highlights why comprehensive communication, documentation, and informed consent are at the heart of ethically and effectively practicing spectrum of care.
So how do we meet patients’ and clients’ needs while ensuring we do so ethically, even when we can’t provide gold-standard care?
Spectrum of Care in Veterinary Medicine
At its core, spectrum of care means offering clients a range of diagnostic and treatment options that:
Meet the minimum standard of care (what a competent veterinarian would reasonably provide under similar circumstances)
Respect the client’s goals, resources, and preferences
Prioritize the patient’s quality of life
It’s not about cutting corners or practicing “less than ideal” medicine. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that while the gold standard may be ideal, it’s not always realistic for every client.
By presenting multiple options, from advanced diagnostics to conservative management, you empower clients to make informed decisions.
In practice, we must meet clients where they are, while still delivering care at or above the minimum standard. Just as vital is making clients aware of all options, including referral - even if financial limitations exist. Comprehensive communication is a cornerstone of ethical and informed spectrum of care practice.
The Role of Informed Consent
When many veterinarians think of informed consent, they picture a signed form - a consent or AMA sheet filed in the patient record.
Informed consent is much more than a signature. It is a process of clear, honest communication paired with thorough documentation.
As veterinarians, we are responsible for:
Presenting all reasonable options, from gold standard to less intensive alternatives
Explaining risks, benefits, costs (current and ongoing), and prognosis for each option
Documenting the discussion thoroughly
Revisiting the conversation when conditions or information change
When this process is followed, clients feel empowered, complaints decrease, and patients receive care that reflects both medical standards and client circumstances.
Key Takeaways on Spectrum of Care
Spectrum of care means discussing a range of options - from gold standard to conservative - while always meeting or exceeding the minimum standard of care.
Informed consent is a process, not a form. It requires clear communication, risks/benefits discussion, and detailed documentation.
Clients must be made aware of all options, including referral - even when they may seem out of reach.
Teleconsultations expand access: DVM STAT specialists help clinics deliver evidence-based guidance anywhere, anytime.
Detailed documentation and transparent discussions build trust and reduce complaints.
Where Teleconsultations Fit In
This is where DVM STAT Consulting can help. Our teleconsultation model supports spectrum of care by making board-certified expertise accessible in any clinic, anywhere.
Expanding Care Options Without Referral: When referral isn’t possible, or while waiting for specialty access, teleconsults allow you to provide tailored, higher level patient care at a lower cost to clients.
Enhancing Informed Consent: Specialist input helps you confidently present gold standard options alongside modified and palliative approaches, each explained with evidence-based clarity.
Reducing Stress on Teams: Balancing the ideal with the possible can be stressful. With a DVM STAT consult, you’re never navigating it alone. Our specialists ensure that your client’s goals and limitations are integrated into the plan.
Diverse Specialist Input: From oncology to neurology, cardiology to surgery, internal medicine to radiology and more, our board-certified specialists review cases, diagnostics, and treatment plans with you in real time or within 24-hours
Putting Spectrum of Care Into Practice
Every clinic can begin strengthening its spectrum of care approach today.
Here’s how:
Identify common conditions where multiple treatment paths exist (e.g., urinary obstruction, oncology cases, seizure management etc.).
Build informed consent templates that clearly outline risks, benefits, and prognosis for all options - from referral all the way to “no treatment.” Verbally discuss the options, potential complications and outcomes and document thoroughly, especially when owners decline options.
Leverage teleconsults when referral isn’t feasible, offering affordable access to specialist insights.
Document every step - the options presented, the client’s choice, and the rationale behind it.
The Bottom Line
Spectrum of care isn’t new - we practice it every week in veterinary medicine. At its heart, it’s a patient-centered, client-centered approach that makes care more accessible, transparent, and sustainable.
Importantly, it’s okay to offer alternative options, not just when the gold standard isn’t feasible, but whenever they are appropriate for the patient in front of you. For newer practitioners, this understanding can be a huge relief.
For cases that would ideally be referred to a specialist but cannot be, you don’t have to manage them alone. With DVM STAT teleconsultations, any veterinarian - whether in general practice, urgent care, or ER - can deliver care backed by specialty expertise.
Concierge-level specialty support, without leaving your clinic. Always supporting veterinarians in practice - that’s our promise.
Learn more about DVM STAT Teleconsultations →
Reference: Venit EL. Informed consent plays an important role when practicing veterinary medicine along the spectrum of care. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2025 Aug 25:1-7. doi: 10.2460/javma.25.05.0340. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40854539.