RDVM

Outpatient Specialty Services

Absecon Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer outpatient echocardiograms with Eric DeRose, DVM and outpatient ultrasounds with Kim Hammer, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM), Both are highly respected specialists who help us bring these vital diagnostic services to the Jersey Shore community.

We are also happy to offer acupuncture services with Dr. Kim Mitchell, DVM CVA. We are excited to provide holistic care that complements your medical management.

PLEASE NOTE: We deeply value your partnership and the trust you place in us. As described below, all clients referred by an RDVM will be directed back to you for follow-up care after diagnostics are completed. Our team is committed to supporting your patients and clients with outpatient diagnostics and after-hours emergencies—while always respecting and protecting the integrity of your client-patient relationship.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Referral Liaison: Cherie Scheurich

• Hospital Phone: (609) 646-7013 ext. 127
• Cell Phone: (609) 929-6907
• Email: cscheurich@abseconvet.com

Outpatient Echocardiograms with Dr. DeRose:

1 - Submit a Request

• Fill out ECHO REQUEST FORM

• Complete all required fields including patient history, and recent diagnostics
• Please note in the request if you need our team to assist with radiographs or lab work prior to the echocardiogram.

2 - Scheduling

• Echocardiograms are performed every other month on a selected date.
• Once the request is submitted, our team will contact you to confirm a date and coordinate with the client instructions for their visit.

3 - Pre-visit requirements

• We ask that for outpatient echocardiograms thoracic radiographs have been obtained within the last 3 months, lab work within the last year, and your patient is up to date on their Rabies vaccination. This allows for a more comprehensive assessment and reduces the chance for issues on the day of their echocardiogram.
• Pre-visit sedation or anti-anxiety medications are highly recommended to reduce patient stress. Please discuss this with your client in advance and dispense.
• Please upload all pertinent records and images to the form, or email them to records@abseconvet.com. Please indicate the patient’s first and last name & Outpatient Echocardiogram in the Subject line (ex: “Fluffy Smith Outpatient Echo”).
• If diagnostics are not yet complete, we are happy to assist—please indicate this in the form.

4 - Day of Appointment

• The patient will be scheduled for a drop off by our team, and cared for by our team throughout their stay. Drop off times are generally between 8-9AM.
• A small visit fee will be charged for non-clients to cover a brief examination by one of our veterinarians to ensure no concerning abnormalities are found the day of.
• Dr. DeRose does not meet with clients in person. Instead, he performs the echocardiogram, reviews the case, and prepares a detailed report.

5 - After the Echocardiogram

• Our doctor team will review Dr. DeRose’s report and contact you (the RDVM) directly with results and any recommendations.
• You will then communicate the findings and treatment plan with your client.

6 - Important Reminders

• Clients should be aware that the patient may be shaved and/or lightly sedated for imaging.
• in the event of unexpected concerts or emergencies during the visit, oru doctors are equipped to intervene quickly.

Outpatient Ultrasounds with Dr. Hammer:

1 - Submit a Request

• Fill out ULTRASOUND REQUEST FORM

• Please complete the form in full, including
• Patient History​
• Reason for Ultrasound
• All recent diagnostics
• Permissions for aspirates from the client if you think they'll be needed
• Dr. Hammer requires a CBC with normal platelet count less than a month old for all cases.​
• Please note in the request if you need our team to assist with any additional diagnostics (x-rays, lab work) prior to the ultrasound.

2 - Scheduling

• Ultrasounds are performed every other Thursday.
• Once the request is submitted, our team will contact you to confirm a date and coordinate with the client instructions for their visit.

3 - Pre-visit requirements

• Patients that have AM visits should be fasted after midnight the evening before. For afternoon visits, a small meal at 6am is fine. Water is always okay. If a patient has special medical needs and should not fast, please advise them appropriately and contact Dr. Hammer with questions.
• Pre-visit sedation or anti-anxiety medications are highly recommended to reduce patient stress. Please discuss this with your client in advance and dispense.
• Please upload all pertinent records and images to the form, or email them to records@abseconvet.com. Please indicate the patient’s first and last name & Outpatient Ultrasound in the Subject line (ex: “Fluffy Smith Outpatient Ultrasound”).
• If diagnostics are not yet complete, we are happy to assist—please indicate this in the form.

4 - Day of Appointment

• The patient will be scheduled for a drop off by our team, and cared for by our team throughout their stay. Drop off times are generally between 8-9AM.
• A small visit fee will be charged for non-clients to cover a brief examination by one of our veterinarians to ensure no concerning abnormalities are found the day of.
• Dr. Hammer does not meet with clients directly. As the primary veterinarian, you will be responsible for discussing findings and treatment with the client.

5 - Post-Ultrasound Workflow

• Dr. Hammer will provide a comprehensive ultrasound report, which will be sent directly to you (the RDVM).
• Dr. Hammer does not meet with clients directly. As the primary veterinarian, you will be responsible for discussing findings and treatment with the client.
• Should you need clarification or have follow-up questions, Dr. Hammer is available to consult with you directly. You can reach her at kim@hammer.vet or 856-248-3300. Additional consultation fees may apply.

Outpatient Acupuncture with Dr. Mitchell:

1 - Submit a Request

• Fill out ACUPUNCTURE REQUEST FORM

• Patient’s medical history and diagnosis
• Current medications and therapies
• Recent lab work and diagnostic imaging
• Upload all supporting documents (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, clinical notes).
• Tip: Be sure to double-check your contact information so we can follow up directly with you.

2 - Expectations for the Client & Patient

• Once we receive the request, our team will reach out to the client directly to schedule the first acupuncture appointment.
• The patient will be evaluated by our trained acupuncture provider, Dr. Kim Mitchell, and an individualized treatment plan will be developed.
• Appointments are typically 30–60 minutes depending on the case and the patient’s comfort.

3 - Communication and Ongoing Care

• We will send you a summary after the initial consultation, including findings and recommendations.
• Ongoing updates will be provided for patients undergoing regular acupuncture sessions.
• If at any point you would like to discuss the case or treatment response, Dr. Mitchell is happy to connect.

Ideal Candidates

• Acupuncture can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
• Arthritis and joint disease
• Chronic pain
• Neurologic conditions (e.g., IVDD)
• Post-surgical recovery
• GI disorders
• Mobility and quality of life support in geriatric pets