Interview with DiploVets co-founder Dr. Oliver Gehrig: Telemedicine will become the standard
Vetproduction: Your goal is to improve the quality of veterinary services – can you tell us more about that?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: In my experience there has been a rapid increase in expert knowledge. However, access to experts has decreased and is currently available at just a few, often large centres. In radiology there are also studies that claim 20 to 30 percent misinterpretation by veterinary surgeons. DiploVets give vets the opportunity to request the expertise of diplomates to prevent misinterpretations and incorrect treatment. Calling in specialists in difficult cases in the interest of the animal's health and welfare is in keeping with our professional code of ethics.
Vetproduction: Many vets are afraid to seek advice on complex questions, thinking that doing so will lead animal owners to perceive them as unqualified. How do you counter this argument?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: We don't often hear that argument. Today's generation of vets primarily sees the advantages: diplomate expertise helps to lower their stress levels and gives them a clear plan on how to proceed. The expertise of the diplomates complements the value of their services. In contrast, a misinterpretation can have consequences for the practice, such as losing the customer and perhaps even one's reputation.
Vetproduction: Teleradiology is seen as a pioneering innovation. What are the advantages for vets using your service in other specialist fields?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: Without a doubt, the most established telemedicine speciality is radiology. This is partly due to standard queries and partly due to the training of specialists for this "special discipline". Generally, however, vets can likewise benefit from the other specialities. In cardiology and oncology ECG findings and chemotherapy protocols, which are based on precise pathology reports, are standardized procedures, as is the creation of dietary plans in animal nutrition. In all fields, thorough examination in the veterinary practice and the provision of a detailed medical history along with patient data raises the quality of expert opinions.
Vetproduction: It is said that one of telemedicine's weak points is communication. How do you solve this problem on your platform?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: From the beginning, we at DiploVets have found it important to be available to vets for consultations – and not just during office hours. We know how important it is to provide a quick response and follow-up, especially when there are unresolved issues. To improve communication between vets and specialists even more, there is now a comment field to contact the relevant specialist directly.
Vetproduction: In radiology and in other specialist fields, there are referral centres that offer free second opinions to medical professionals. Why should vets use your service?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: Large centres see it as their duty to answer enquiries free of charge in the evening, which then often leads to frustration on their side, as it takes up an incredible number of resources. Increasing specialisation and limited resources mean that it will be essential that practising vets spend their energy on their patients rather than with online research. At DiploVets, we are seeing that many clinicians are happy to rely on our services. This frees up their resources and allows them more time with patients.
Vetproduction: Specialists are generally considered to be expensive. What costs are incurred through your services and how can these be recovered by animal owners?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: For the pet owners, the costs are reasonable. In many cases, using one of our specialists saves them the costs of a visit to another vet, which would also cause stress for the animal. A standard radiographic evaluation (three images) costs 40 euros, and in most fields a consultation costs 80 euros. CT and MRI evaluations are cost-intensive because they require a great deal of time for the specialists. Billing in according to the German Fee Schedule (GOT), the costs for the findings should be passed on 1:1. Surcharges may be billed for the time spent working on the case and discussing the findings (GOT §7 - reference to GOT 10 and 11).
Vetproduction: One final question: In which direction to you see telemedicine developing?
Dr. Oliver Gehrig: High-speed internet, modern practice management and technology will make telemedicine a standard part of almost every medical practice. Interfaces will facilitate the connection of systems to experts. In the future, these will be supplemented by data from health trackers. And it won't be long before artificial intelligence finds its way into veterinary practices.