Larry A. Bernstein, V.M.D.
751 N.E. 168 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162 - 2427

305 - 652 - 5372 - Voice
305 - 653 - 7244 – Fax

http://www.naturalholistic.com

natural@naturalholistic.com – e-mail

In most situations that we deal with, the illness is a chronic one, e.g., long lasting and requiring treatment over several months. Regular appointments are necessary every 2 - 4 weeks (depending on the severity of the case). These follow - up consultations are usually 15 - 30 minutes in length. The treatment will be adjusted as necessary depending on your progress reports.

Since we want to do the best by our patients, our usual protocol is to only take on patients that are as committed to the healing of their animal companions as we are. This may sound arrogant but the saddest part of practice, is to pour your heart and soul into a case, start making real progress and have the client decide that it is too much trouble to follow the regimen. Once both sides have agreed to make this commitment, we schedule a consultation to discuss the case in detail, this includes a medical history, the current symptoms and any other relevant factors. We discuss what you can reasonably expect from therapy and whether this is the correct modality for your situation.

This initial, extended intake is what usually takes the most time as we are gathering all the history and pertinent information together for the first time. Depending on the complexity of the case, this takes about 45 - 60 minutes with you directly and perhaps another 30 minutes in analysis and conference deciding on the treatment approach we are going to use.

If you would like to explore becoming a client with us, please call (305) 652-5372. You may also e-mail to natural@naturalholistic.com but the phone is usually quicker and most dependable. We do get a large number of calls and cannot take on every client. If our line is set to voice mail, we will make every attempt to contact you a timely fashion. The biggest obstacle to a return call is an unclear phone number left on the message, so speak slowly and clearly.

If you decide to work with us, you have our pledge that we will do our very best to help your animal. Our goal is a complete cure of the problem, regardless of the diagnosis. Of course, some animals are too old or have been ill too long for a complete cure, but we will do our best to increase the quality of life.

If you can answer the following questions, it will be helpful in doing the extended interview with you. However, this is optional and not necessary if you find It difficult.

You can send this information to us by mail (allow sufficient time prior to your appointment for it to be received and reviewed), you can expedite using an overnight service (like UPS or Federal Express or Airborne), or fax it to us at 305 - 653 - 7244 (24 hours a day). You can also E - Mail to natural@naturalholistic.com

Try to include:

1. A description of the most recent illness which prompted you to contact us. Use your own words to describe what alerted you to the presence of illness, e.g., what symptoms you saw. If a veterinarian was used, describe what that person observed and said about It. Was a treatment used? If so, describe that as well. If laboratory tests were done. Ask copy of the results to send on to us.
2. An outline of the previous (before this last one) health problems your animal has experienced. Please describe these In your own words, what diagnosis was given (if a veterinarian was consulted), and what treatments were used (not necessarily brand names, but, for example, antibiotics, cortisone or steroids ).
3. What medication is your animal presently on? Include use of heartworm medication, Program or flea - shots, dips, or other insecticides.
4. How long have you had this animal? What Is the age, breed, sex (spayed or neutered?), weight, and name. Are there other animals in the home?
5. What kind of environment does your animal have? Does it get outdoors? How much exercise? Do you live In a house? Mobile home? Apartment?
6. What Is the temperament of this animal? Is there ever irritability or aggression? Jealousy? Is it calm or very excitable? Is there anything (strangers, loud noises such as thunderstorms, firecrackers, loud voices) which causes fear?
7. How often have vaccinations been given (approximate months are adequate)? What kind ? (example: DHL, Rabies, Parvovirus, Corona, Lyme vaccine Kennel Cough, Bordetella, Panleukopenia or Cat Distemper, 3 in 1 Cat vaccine, FVRCP, Feline Leukemia vaccine, Chlamydia vaccine).
8. What food Is your animal currently eating? Include any supplements, vitamins, or minerals added to the food.

We hope that his has given an accurate overview of our procedures. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Dr. Larry and Karen Bernstein