Jane Dotson
A cat's medical history is essential for insurance claims and for your pet's overall health and well-being. It is a detailed and comprehensive document from your vet that tracks the health history of your cat, including basic identification information such as name, breed, age, and vaccination status, as well as a thorough record of any medications, surgeries, and hospital visits. This information is crucial for insurance companies to process claims and verify that the claimed condition is not pre-existing. If you've adopted your cat, you should receive their medical history from the shelter or previous owner, which you can then pass on to your vet. If not, you can request your cat's medical records from your veterinarian, although there may be a small fee for this service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to get cat's medical history | Contact the shelter or previous owner to obtain the medical history. If the cat has been to multiple vets, reach out to each one. |
| How much history is needed | The last 12-18 months of records are usually required, or all records if the cat is younger than 12-18 months. |
| When to submit history | Submit the medical history along with the first insurance claim. |
| What to do if history is unavailable | Some companies will take the medical history from the date of adoption if the cat is a rescue. |
| What to include in the history | Basic identification information, vaccination status, previous medical history, medications, surgeries, hospital visits, test results, physical exams, x-rays, etc. |
| Storing records | Keep physical and digital copies of the records in a dedicated folder, safe, or cabinet. |
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What You'll Learn
Contact shelters or previous owners for medical history
If you've adopted your cat from a shelter, they should provide you with a copy of your cat's medical history. This will include any medical treatment the cat has received while at the shelter, such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and any other treatments. You can then pass this information on to your vet. If the shelter does not provide this information, you can request it by contacting them directly or, in the case of public shelters, submitting a request under your state's public records law.
If you've adopted your cat from a friend or private owner, you should ask them for any medical records they have. This will help ensure your cat has received all the necessary vaccinations and boosters, and it will inform any future care they may need. If your cat has a previous veterinarian, you can also request a copy of their medical records from them.
If you've found a stray cat, you can take them to a vet to be checked for a microchip, which is the best way to determine specific details about a cat. If the cat is microchipped, the vet will be able to contact the owner. If the cat doesn't have a microchip, you can try listing them on local community pages or putting up posters to try and find the owner.
If you've recently adopted a cat and are considering contacting the previous owners, it's important to consider the potential consequences. While some previous owners may appreciate an update, others may find it upsetting or distressing. Additionally, providing your contact information may open you up to potential harassment from the previous owners or other individuals. If you want to provide an update, it's generally recommended to contact the shelter and allow them to pass on the information if they deem it appropriate.
It's important to note that, regardless of the cat's history, you should always take them to your own vet for a medical exam to establish their current health status and start building their medical record. This is especially important if your cat is less than a year old, as there may not be any existing medical records.
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Request records from vet(s)
Requesting your cat's medical records from your veterinarian is a straightforward process. These records are crucial for managing insurance claims and your cat's overall well-being. You can start by making a formal request to your veterinarian, usually done via email, phone, or in person. If you've visited multiple veterinarians or emergency clinics, be sure to contact each one, as they may hold different parts of your cat's medical history.
It's important to note that laws governing the release and transfer of pet medical records vary by state, so check your local regulations. Additionally, some veterinary clinics may charge a nominal fee for copying and compiling your cat's medical records, and this cost can vary depending on the clinic and the extent of the records. Unfortunately, insurance companies typically do not cover this fee.
When requesting records, it's generally advisable to ask for all available records from a clinic rather than requesting specific items. This ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of your cat's health history. A complete medical record for your cat should include basic identification information, such as name, breed, and age, as well as detailed medical information. This can encompass vaccination status, medication history, surgeries, hospital visits, test results, physical exams, and X-rays.
If you've recently changed veterinarians, it's a good idea to put your new vet in touch with your old one. This facilitates communication between the vets and helps avoid confusion, lost files, or questions regarding your cat's medical history. When you receive your cat's medical records, be sure to review them and keep them safely stored in a dedicated folder, either physically or digitally.
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Keep physical and digital copies
Keeping physical and digital copies of your cat's medical records is essential for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as a comprehensive health history, tracking everything from basic identification information to detailed medical procedures. This includes your cat's age, breed, weight, vaccination status, surgical history, test results, physical exams, medications, and hospital visits. Having all this information in one place is crucial for your veterinarian, enabling them to make well-informed treatment decisions. It also helps different vets communicate seamlessly, especially when you move or change clinics.
Secondly, these records are vital for insurance purposes. When submitting an insurance claim, your provider will likely request your cat's medical history to verify that the claimed condition is not pre-existing. Some companies may require records from the last 12 or 18 months, or all records if your cat is younger than 12 or 18 months. Having physical and digital copies ensures that you can easily provide this information when needed.
To obtain physical and digital copies, start by requesting your cat's medical records from their veterinarian. Most clinics will provide guidance on how to make this request, which can often be done via email or phone. If your cat has visited multiple veterinarians or emergency clinics, reach out to each one, as they may hold different parts of your cat's medical history.
Once you have compiled all the records, organize them into dedicated folders, categorizing them by type, such as vet visits, vaccination records, test results, and surgical reports. Keep these folders in a safe, accessible location, such as a fireproof safe or a secured cabinet. Additionally, consider keeping a copy in your car or your cat's travel kit for unexpected vet visits or travel emergencies.
Remember to update these records regularly. After each vet visit, promptly add the latest information to your physical and digital storage systems. By maintaining accurate and up-to-date medical records for your cat, you are ensuring they receive the best possible care and treatment throughout their life.
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Include all details: age, breed, weight, vaccinations, surgeries, medications, etc
Your cat's medical records are a comprehensive document provided by your vet that tracks the health history of your cat. It's similar to a human's medical chart and includes everything from basic identification information to their detailed medical history.
Basic identification information includes your cat's name, breed, age, date of birth, coat colour, distinguishing markings, reproductive status (spayed/neutered or intact), and weight history. It may also include microchip information and even a photograph of your cat for identification purposes.
Detailed medical history includes all vet visits, treatments, and medications. This entails the dates and reasons for all vet visits, including routine check-ups and emergency consultations, as well as any surgeries your cat has had. It should also include a detailed record of any medications your cat has been prescribed, including dosage, frequency, and any side effects.
Additionally, keep a record of vaccination history, which is often required by insurance companies. This includes all the shots your cat has received, including the dates and any booster shots. Also, keep a log of recent lab results and diagnostic test results, such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other objective data.
Keeping detailed and up-to-date medical records for your cat is not just about insurance—it's about providing the best care for your feline friend. These records are crucial for your vet to determine the appropriate treatment for your cat and can help ensure your cat receives timely and effective care.
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Submit with first claim
If you are submitting your cat's medical history for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to understand what a pet's medical record entails. A pet's medical record, also known as SOAP notes, is a detailed and comprehensive document that tracks the health history of your cat. It is similar to a human's medical chart and includes basic identification information such as name, breed, age, and vaccination status. It also includes a thorough record of any medications prescribed, surgeries, hospital visits, test results, physical exams, and other relevant health information.
When submitting your cat's medical history for the first time, you will need to request these records from your veterinarian. This can usually be done via email or phone, and they will guide you through the process. If your cat has visited multiple veterinarians or clinics, be sure to reach out to each one as they may hold different parts of your cat's medical history. Written consent may be required for the transfer of records between clinics.
It is important to note that the laws surrounding the release and transfer of pet medical records can vary by state or location, so be sure to check the regulations in your area. There may also be a nominal fee charged by the veterinarian for copying and compiling your cat's medical records, which is typically not covered by insurance.
Once you have gathered all the necessary records, ensure that they are updated with the latest health information and organized in a safe and easily accessible location. This will not only help with insurance claims but also with your cat's overall health management and well-being.
Some insurance companies may require the last 12 to 18 months of your cat's medical records, or all records if your cat is younger than 12 to 18 months old. This information will allow them to determine if the condition being claimed is pre-existing and validate any claims. If your cat is a rescue or adopted, some companies may take the medical history from the date of adoption or rescue.
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Frequently asked questions
A pet medical record is a detailed document from your vet that tracks the health history of your cat. It includes basic identification information such as name, breed, and age, as well as vaccination status, medication history, and previous medical history.
If you've just adopted your cat, the shelter or previous owner should provide you with their medical history. You can then pass this on to your vet. If you've visited multiple vets or clinics, you may need to contact each one as they may hold different parts of your cat's medical history.
Insurance companies use your cat's medical history to process claims and verify that the condition being claimed is not pre-existing. It also helps determine the right premiums and validates any claims.
If you don't have your cat's full medical history, some insurance companies may still cover you. For example, if your cat is a rescue, some companies will take their medical history from the date of adoption.
