Incorporating telemedicine in the age of COVID-19April 1, 2020With the novel coronavirus and the need for social distancing defining our existence today, veterinarians must get creative and adapt because this won't be a one-month headache. Instead, how we reduce our direct and indirect contact with clients and their pets will serve as a defining moment for our profession. Telemedicine is one tool many veterinarians have turned to as a way to continue to assess and treat patients, while keeping staff safe. The need is real. On March 15, the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) published guidelines regarding the use of telemedicine as a method of practicing social distancing. And just a few days ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) temporarily lifted some of its federal requirements for telemedicine. Several digital platforms have emerged for assessing household pets' health symptoms and providing other clinical data; recommending options; and enabling pet owners to alert and correspond with their veterinarian. While telemedicine isn't meant to replace clinical exams, it does allow veterinarians to assess and treat their patients while keeping themselves, their staff, and their clients safe. For practitioners mulling telemedicine for the first time, consider the following tips: Look for a telemedicine platform, of which there are several, …
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Cannabis and its role in the endocannabinoid biomeMarch 31, 2020With the recent interest and rapid growth of the cannabis industry, an understanding of the ECB is the first step toward developing a foundation in cannabis science.
Telemedicine provider's footprint expands with partnershipMarch 31, 2020A new partnership between a B2B telehealth company, Petriage, and Miller Veterinary Supply, a wholesale distributor, emphasizes the increased demand for connected care services in the animal health industry.
Tips for purchasing your first therapy laserMarch 30, 2020Here are the lessons I learned that you might find useful if you’re on the verge of bringing laser therapy into your practice.
How to use technicians as physician assistantsMarch 30, 2020Established in the mid-1960s, physician assistants are licensed to help deliver primary medical care under the supervision of a physician.
What the COVID-19 relief package means to veterinariansMarch 30, 2020Last week saw the signing of a $2.2-trillion COVID-19 stimulus package aimed at helping the U.S. economy cope with losses incurred because of the global pandemic.
Why recommend pet insurance? The ABCs of PHIMarch 27, 2020Put simply, insured animals receive more care. The NAPHIA report shows pet owners spent 29 percent more per year on veterinary care when their dog was covered by insurance and 81 percent more on insured cats.
Which telemedicine bucket does your veterinary practice fall into?March 27, 2020Whether you love or hate technology may not matter at this point in history. Recent events are forcing veterinarians to jump off the telemedicine cliff as practices are faced with new challenges limiting in-person exams. And in unprecedented moves, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are recommending state governors temporarily lift the traditional "in-person requirement" to allow veterinarian-client-patient-relationships (VCPRs) to be established by remote telemedicine. This leaves veterinarians urgently asking the question, "Which technology is right for my practice?" When it comes to telemedicine platforms, there are three big buckets: basic/DIY, plug & play for human health-care providers, and premium plug & play for veterinary professionals. Let's break them down. Bucket #1: Basic DIY telemedicine This DIY bucket requires rounding up the components needed to deliver a telemedicine experience and putting them all together. Much like baking a cake, you've got to gather the ingredients, which in this case means: • an online booking platform; • a calendar to view the bookings; • a payment service; • a video-hosting software; and • chat software. Next, you put them all together to build out a great experience for …
Practice accreditor goes digital amid pandemicMarch 26, 2020In response to COVID-19, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) will operate virtually, including performing digital practice accreditation evaluations, until at least April 20.
Worried about PPE? How you can preserve your stockMarch 23, 2020To help veterinarians make decisions on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has developed guidelines on how best to utilize this equipment.
