How it Works
Our pricing model is based on a per-region model. A region is one major body area that is interpreted as part of a study. If a radiologist is interpreting a distinct anatomic area with its own clinical question, that constitutes a separate billable region even if all images are acquired in a single session.
Region Examples
| Single Region ($90) | Multi-Region Study |
|---|---|
| Thorax (chest) | Thorax + Abdomen (2 regions – $190) |
| Abdomen | Thorax + Single limb (2 regions – $190) |
| Pelvis / Hips | Cervical + Thoracic spine (2 regions – $190) |
| Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar spine (each separate) | Thorax + Abdomen + Pelvis (3 regions – $285) |
| Single limb (e.g., left forelimb) | Cervical + Thoracic + Lumbar spine (3 regions – $285) |
Important Note: Views vs. Images
Regions are defined by views (diagnostic projections), not by images (individual radiographic exposures). In many cases one view equals one image, but for larger patients it may take multiple images to capture a single diagnostic view.
For example, a large-breed dog may require two or three overlapping exposures to produce one complete lateral thoracic view. Under our new model, this still counts as one view within one region. You will never be charged extra because a patient’s size required additional exposures to complete a standard view.
Quick Reference
| Scenario | What You Submit | What You Are Billed |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog, 3-view thorax | 3 images (1 per view) | 1 region – $95 |
| Large dog, 3-view thorax (2 exposures per view) | 6 images (2 per view) | 1 region – $95 |
| Large dog, thorax + abdomen (multiple exposures per view) | 10+ images | 2 regions – $190 |
| Any patient, full spine (C + T + L) | Varies by patient size | 3 regions – $285 |
How Common Studies Will Be Billed
| Study | Views | Regions | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-view thorax (small/medium dog) | 3 | 1 | $85 | $95 |
| 3-view thorax (large dog, 6 images) | 3 | 1 | $85 | $95 |
| Abdominal series (lateral + VD) | 2 | 1 | $85 | $95 |
| Thorax + abdomen (6 views) | 6 | 2 | $85 | $190 |
| Thorax + abdomen (8 views, large dog) | 8 | 2 | $105 | $190 |
| Full spine (C + T + L) | Varies | 3 | $105–$125 | $285 |
| Single limb (4 views) | 4 | 1 | $85 | $95 |
| Thorax (3 views) + STAT | 3 | 1 | $185 | $245 |
STAT Service
The STAT surcharge is $150 per study. The STAT fee is applied once per study, regardless of the number of regions included.
Standard radiology interpretation service is by the end of the next business day.
STAT service prioritizes a case so that it will be interpreted before any other cases. There is no time guarantee associated with the service.
STAT service is to be used for medical emergencies only.
During normal business hours a case will be interpreted by a PetRad radiologist. Outside of normal business hours, PetRad may utilize the IDEXX network of radiologists for backup coverage. IDEXX no longer provides a specific guarantee for timeliness of STAT reports.
It is the responsibility of the hospital submitting a case for STAT service to cancel the request if the report has not been completed in the desired amount of time. Any case completed with an active STAT request will be billed the full amount including the STAT fee regardless of the time the case is completed. There are no refunds for STAT fees.
Volume Discounts
A 15% per-report discount will be automatically applied to your bill each month that your hospital meets the following criteria:
At least 25 cases submitted during the current calendar month
No outstanding balance at the time of billing
STAT fees are not eligible for discounts
FAQs
Can I choose a radiologist?
Your case will be read by the first available radiologist qualified for that modality. PetRad works with a select group of ACVR board-certified radiologists with experience across radiographs, MR, and CT to deliver high-quality reports and fast turnaround.
Can I e-mail images?
No. All imaging studies — radiographs, MR, and CT — must be submitted using either direct DICOM transfer or online via VetRocket.
Can I fax referral forms to PetRad?
No. All requests for interpretation must be submitted online via VetRocket so they remain linked to the correct imaging study in our queue.
How will I receive reports?
You can receive reports by email, fax, or both. Past reports are also available through the website at any time.
What if I have a question about a report?
All emailed reports are cc'd to the interpreting radiologist. Please contact the radiologist directly by email with any questions about a specific report.
How will I be billed?
Your hospital is billed monthly for all cases submitted to PetRad for interpretation. Radiographs, MR, and CT are each priced separately — rates are outlined above.
What if I need technical support?
For assistance with online submission, contact VetRocket technical support at support@vetrocket.com or reach out to us at (484) 804-4003 or billing@petrad.com.