Most of us, on at least a weekly basis, use telemedicine. We consult with a specialist on radiographs. We call the ASPCA on a poison case. We even receive text pictures from clients and give advice. All of this seems safe and reasonable. But what if one of your Washington clients told you that a veterinarian in Georgia did a video chat with them and then prescribed three medications which they started two days prior. Would this be reasonable? What if...
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Pet Ownership vs Pet Owner Agents to direct veterinary care and bill paying Legal pet ownership, when related to pet parent’s divorce or separation, is a court decision and not one to be made by the veterinarian. Ownership of a pet associated with separated or divorced pet owners (pet parents) should only be determined by viewing a copy of the court order. If impossible to get, two alternatives would be: (1) to rely on a notarized general power of attorney from...
Read MoreResearchers and students are collaborating on a survey to gain insight into mixed animal, beef and dairy veterinary medicine practices. It is the intention of this program to identify key elements within this area of the industry and with these elements identified, develop much needed tools to help prepare, and encourage veterinarians in rural practice. As the debt incurred in becoming veterinarians continues to grow, it is increasingly important to find successful strategies to optimize rural veterinary medicine, to allow those entering...
Read MoreIf client numbers are down and it feels like your practice is spiraling out of control - don’t panic! Follow these three simple steps to help put you back in control and your clients back on track. Establish Goals: When client appointments are scarce, it’s time to set some goals to work towards. Decide what the specific team goal will be in terms of filling up the schedule. For example, set a goal of having each day’s schedule 70% booked...
Read MoreThe topic of pet health insurance has been front and center in 2018, with no less than 17 articles printed in mainstream veterinary publications in addition to articles in the New York Times, Washington Post and US News, among others. Why has there been so much focus on pet health insurance? Pet health insurance is not a new offering, having been available worldwide since the early 1900’s. In 1982 Lassie, of TV fame, received the first US pet health insurance policy1. ...
Read MoreWhen staff are under-performing, it’s easy to place the blame on them. But as a practice owner or manager, if you find the same problems coming up repeatedly, perhaps it’s time to face reality: you may be the problem. Here are signs that you might be the real reason employees are under-performing. Good employees are leaving One of the main reasons people leave a company is because of bad management. People want to contribute and grow while working for an organization that’s...
Read MoreIllegible entries Inappropriate entries Failing to document recommendations and owner declinations No consent forms No documentation on boarded animals, especially medical boards (such as diabetics) Lack of records, incomplete information No anesthetic drugs, dosages, anesthetic monitoring entries Incomplete charting of physical examination No surgery report, no suture or sponge count information Tips provided by AVMA-PLIT Posted January 4, 2019...
Read MoreThe second-longest U.S. bull market since 1929 has brought more employment options for veterinarians and increased starting salaries for new graduates. That was some of the good news discussed during the AVMA Economic Summit, held at the end of October. The majority of economists predict the current bull market could last until early 2021, the AVMA’s chief economist told summit attendees. There’s no guarantee, though. “The economy is both an art and a science,” said AVMA Chief Economist Dr. Matt Salois. “Future...
Read MoreWhy should we use technology to communicate? For many practices, routine communication with clients can be much more efficient with the use of technology. The days of your front office calling clients and confirming appointments for hours should be long gone. Although not every client will want email/text updates or reminders, the majority of clients will. Automated reminders free up staff time, reduce no shows and increase compliance of care. By freeing up staff time it will allow your staff the...
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Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) is a benefit provided to employees to take time off work to care for a newborn, treatment for or recovery from a serious illness, or to care for a family member. FMLA, organized like an insurance program, and which goes into effect January 1, 2019 will affect all employers in some way. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt from the program, although all employees regardless of the size of the employer will...
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