Jeff Rothstein, DVM, MBA

Microchipping is becoming standard procedure for many practices. Is your clinic keeping up with the times?

A senior wellness program can stimulate growth and keep older patients healthy.

If you can't afford to give raises, use bonuses to keep employees happy.

Create a new management mantra using the four R's: refresh, renew, reawaken, and remodel.

Offering dental care is a great way to generate revenue in a tough economy.

What can I do to be sure my practice is accommodating the needs of the Hispanic population?

Surf the Web for valuable resources to help you do your job better.

Do you ever get frustrated or annoyed when clients come to your practice loaded with medical information they found on the Internet-especially when it's wrong? Do you find yourself grumbling about the misinformation the client is spewing? Who's the doctor here, anyway? Heck, if people can find instructions for building a bomb online, maybe your clients can just whip up some Otomax or Tresaderm too. Then they can buy themselves an ultrasound machine and a textbook. Who needs a veterinarian?

Weigh your options before constructing a new clinic.

What to consider before going electronic.

A team member quit recently. She gave two weeks' notice but didn't fully complete it and was supposed to train someone to take over her job duties but didn't. After being a valued team member for so long, why did she choose to leave on a sour note?

I've had quite a few mishaps with my cell phone. I wasn't worried this last time, though, because I'd opted for the "backup assistant" service provided by my wireless carrier. At least my contact list would be safe-so I thought.

A trip to the optometrist's office reminded this veterinarian that clients are willing to pay for quality care-especially if it prevents hassles in the long run.

After the death of two wonderful dogs over the past several years, my family decided to take a few years off from being dog owners. Well, we're back in action now, puppy classes and all.

It pays to think through your options when you're borrowing.

Q. What is VoIP? Should my practice consider switching our traditional phone system?

Help your team develop a year-long plan to improve on weaknesses and let them run with it.

I'm an associate at a small-animal veterinary practice. Is it OK for me to date a client?

Start a tradition and get together for a meaningful outing.

Avoid sticky liability issues, and make sure your team knows what you expect when they navigate the 'Net.

Yes, credit cards make it easier for clients to pay. But the costs add up. Use these tips to balance the fees and turn credit card use to your benefit.

Our receptionist is excellent at her job, and the clients love her-when she's here. She's been with us for less than a year, but she's frequently absent and still asked for a raise. So we switched her wages from hourly to salary, but now she wants even more money and doesn't want to work Saturdays. Am I being taken advantage of?

Back in the trenches, I've realized that often we're worth more than we think. Don't undervalue your skills; the truth is that most people couldn't do your job.

Q. To help my team members improve their computer skills, I'd like to pay for training classes. But I'm afraid a team member might leave soon after and I won't get a return on my investment. Should I take the risk?

... we reward ourselves with premium products ...

It's hard for team members to implement changes if the doctors aren't on the same page. Solve this problem with a new approach to team training.

How many warnings should I give, and when should I fire someone?

We're taking our practices to the next level by introducing quality control protocols. Better control means better results, which gives us the foundation we need to be more than just a good hospital; we want to be great.

Q What's the typical turnover rate for front-office team members? How do I know if my turnover's too high?

I have an employee who regularly stays for overtime that I haven't authorized. My attorney says I have to pay her for the time, even though I didn't schedule it. What can I do to keep team members from working unapproved overtime?