Practice Management

How do I structure breaks in a way fair to smokers and nonsmokers?

This guide from the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues focuses on how veterinary pet insurance affects the practice, the client and the patient.

This guide from the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues focuses on how veterinary pet insurance affects the practice, the client and the patient.

Fraud and embezzlement can happen to you. Read about a college panel discussion on the topic, then discuss on dvm360.com.

Eliminate "fear of cost" and increase treatment acceptance by helping clients understand your policies.

Consultant Karyn Gavzer, MBA, CVPM, opened the practice management program at CVC in Baltimore and talked about communication strategies that can boost clients' loyalty and trust.

Research shows that people choose quick payoffs over long-term results, even when they know better.

Work is a place where people go to get a job done. Hopefully, they like it. Jobs don't exist (primarily) for personal growth, although good employers provide a positive environment for employee development. Smart employers invest in the development of their employees - - the team. That includes honoring diversity. Employers also must keep the business healthy; their employees are hired to do a job. How can employers do both?

Terry has been the lead technician for your practice for the past 5 years. Amber has been with you less than a year. Terry suspects that Amber has a drug problem.

The average U.S. company loses 7% of its annual revenue to fraud, with the median fraud loss for all businesses at $175,000, and the median fraud loss for small businesses at $200,000. In fact, private companies have the highest incidence of fraud (39.1%), with public companies coming in at second (28.4%), according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' (ACFE) 2008 Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud and Abuse.

Sound is an important part of an animal's surroundings, and should be considered when taking a history on an anxious or reactive pet. Many owners don't realize the significance of sound in their homes, and most veterinarians are not cognizant of the sonic environment their hospitalized patients are exposed to.

What motivates individuals to perform, and how can you improve their responses to a request to do more? Attendees will explore facets of motivation and evaluate how they may unwittingly shut down enthusiasm.

What's fair when it comes to associate compensation? Owners and associates want to know, and too often each party's understanding of what's fair lies at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Do you embrace technology or shy away from it? Technology should not be a dirty word but instead a helpful tool to drive your practice to its next level of excellence. By technology, I am referring to web sites, electronic medical records (paperless practice), email reminders, internet shop sites and yes, even the purchase of new equipment such as digital radiology or a surgical laser. Is it all worth it? Will it make a difference in your practice?

A web site is a way for you to communicate with your current and future clients, answer frequently asked questions, tell the history of your practice, introduce your services and the veterinarians who provide them, and share who you are and what you do.

Protocols create consistency of experience - - for the team, for the client, and for the patient

Managers often look to individuals when a problem occurs. When that doesn't work, or when problems repeat, a system problem could exist. In this session attendees will explore operations, facility design, and processes that can affect production and camaraderie at work.

Don't be put in the middle. Teach team members to communicate with each other.

Test your knowledge of human resources and tweak your procedures to keep out of the doghouse.

A combination of forces are currently redefining the construction of buildings, homes, barns and businesses.

A quick 15-minute talk can keep you informed and keep your team members motivated.

Recognize teamwork with this simple reward.

Secure your clients' and team members' private information against identity theft and mitigate your own risk of future fines

Sometimes you need professional help when your practice experiences a tragedy, but there are some things you can do to help your staff recover.

After explaining core vaccines, ask questions about the pet's and client's lifestyle.

It's not just years that are defining generational differences -- personalities actually are shifting.

Not getting the results you'd like from your own employee search? An employee referral program might help you build your dream team.

Have you ever wanted to renege on a promotion? Here's how to approach the situation.

Athens, Ga. - Finding the perfect first job upon becoming a DVM can be a challenging feat, but for Tim Holt, getting several prominent positions as a veterinarian was not a problem - and he never graduated from veterinary school.