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30 November

WA’s paid family and medical leave program begins January 1, 2019

wsvma   |   Practice Management

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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30 November

Practice modernization: Toxic teams – how to recognize and prevent them

wsvma   |   Practice Management

Why Does It Happen? High performing employees, if they are toxic, will cost the company money. Oriana Scislowicz, BS, LVT, says the benefits of handling your toxic team members include increased efficiency, a better capacity for resilience and critical thinking, and possibly a longer, healthier and more balanced life. There are many reasons why a toxic work environment happens. The nature of the veterinary industry seems to be predisposed to a toxic environment. We are a for-profit industry dealing with life and death....

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30 November

Six tips to improve your medical records

wsvma   |   Practice Management

When a client alleges malpractice, one of your key defense tools is the patient’s medical record. Attorneys often say that if it’s not documented, it did not happen. Document medical treatment plans and have clients sign consent forms. Document client declinations of recommendations or procedures. Document communications including phone calls, emails, texts, and verbal conversations. Document history of complete physical exam and procedures including detailed anesthetics and surgical reports. Document boarded patient information such as elimination, appetite, and weight, especially...

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30 November

This Week’s Helpful Links

wsvma   |   Uncategorized

Retired vet tech from Washington helping animals in California fires  KING5.com Wildfire forces California shelters to send animals to Washington KING5.com FDA approves new antiparasitic for cats – American Veterinarian Survey: Opioid shortages are harming veterinary patients – DVM360 Tracking Corporate Practice Purchases – Summit Veterinary Advisors   Posted November 30, 2018...

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21 November

Practice modernization: Forward booking

wsvma   |   Practice Management

What is pre-booking or forward booking? It’s scheduling a patient’s next appointment (preventive exam or medical progress exam) during check-out of the current appointment. Where did this concept come from? Dentist offices have used this method of forward booking appointments successfully for many years. It is now standard practice at most dentist offices. At check-out, a receptionist may say, “Dr. Jones would like to see you back for your next dental cleaning in six months. Does Tuesday, February 5th work for you?” How...

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