VPN Plus+ Exclusive'Radical transparency' in vet med: embracing a new era of closeness with clientsFebruary 15, 2023By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAInstead of becoming correspondingly friendly, open, candid, and clear, we have erected barriers to these. Artfully constructed, tech-centric walls may well suit the science, but I would argue they ill-become most modern client-patient relationships.
SPONSORED CONTENTThe Case for Year-Round Heartworm Prevention and Affordable OptionsVeterinarians are often more than just clinicians - they’re advisors, educators, and, increasingly, financial counselors. In today’s economy, pet owners may hesitate to invest in year-round prevention due to budget constraints; but, skipping even a few months of heartworm protection can have serious consequences. + Learn More
Coping with shockingly bad client behaviorMarch 28, 2022Everything has changed. Whether we are still curbside or taking clients in one at a time, most of us are still laboring under the pandemified conditions we have been forced to adopt.
Hospital group renews deal with veterinary payment co.November 3, 2020A veterinary network of more than 700 U.S. hospitals will continue to offer its clients varied payment options, thanks to a renewed partnership.
Talking to pet owners about preventive care: A primerFebruary 25, 2020When veterinarians talk about preventive care, we typically take it to mean a host of recommendations aimed at health and longevity. Our broad range of suggestions might include dental care, exercise goals, and routine wellness visits that comprise screening tests, among other activities. However, the truth of the matter is we aren’t equally comfortable with each of these preventive care-related conversations.
What a country song teaches us about patient/client careFebruary 12, 2020Around 1990, Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free Pets, overheard the mantra: “Let’s remember to practice today like pet owners are right there looking over our shoulders.”
Pet travel compliance simplified with digital filing softwareJanuary 24, 2020Patterson Veterinary has joined forces with GVL in a partnership that will see the cloud-based software company’s software platform in the hands of Patterson customers.
Policies that make clients madMay 23, 2019Frustrated with clients who wait until the last pill is gone before requesting refills, a hospital manager implemented a $15 expedited refill charge. Some pet owners complained they couldn't afford the convenience fee on top of the cost of medications. Patients on drugs such as insulin and phenobarbital couldn't wait the 48 hours the practice required for refills. After another practice experienced several surgical cancellations, employees began charging a $50 no-show fee when the client gave less than 24 hours' notice. Now the manager is considering a similar policy for appointments. While these hospital policies may make practice owners and managers feel less frustrated, they also may put patients' health at risk, encourage clients to seek care elsewhere, and harm your hospital's income and reputation. If you want a thriving, profitable practice, undo rules that limit your success. Banish this rule: You require 24 hours to refill medications Think like a client. She can take her prescription to a retail pharmacist and have it filled while she waits, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. Although veterinarians account for 62 percent of pet medications sales, mass-market retailers have claimed 20 percent, while internet retailers have a 12 percent …
Food allergy: Fact versus fictionNovember 5, 2018Day in and day out, we as veterinarians, and particularly as veterinary dermatologists, are asked, “What should I feed my pet?” It’s such a loaded question, given all the misinformation available about canine and feline diets. The most reputable source should be the veterinarian, yet clients take to pet food blogs, pet store employees, or their neighbors for “information.”
Two-way texting service available for veterinarians and pet ownersOctober 24, 2018VitusVet, a client communication company for veterinary practices, has added two-way text and picture messaging to its services available to practices across North America.
Three types of veterinary clients you may want to fireAugust 14, 2018You seek mutually respectful relationships with your clients, but let’s be honest: Some pet owners are jerks. Meet three clients you want to fire and learn solutions to tame their bad behaviors.
