Business

Progressive practitioners from around the country who have implemented an integrated system into their practices discuss how it has helped ensure the best healtcare possible for patients, made their practices run more efficiently, and increaed revenue.

As a primary care veterinarian knows the patients' healthcare needs better than anyone. And sometimes those needs require that you utilize an extension of your practice-the specialist. By collaborating together, the primary care veterinarian and the specialist can provide excellent overall care. Learn how to shape the referral process into a success for everyone-your patients, your clients, and your practice.

Present day veterinarians have evolved from human islands to networks of people-treating pets in concert, making the most of the rapidly expanding body of knowledge that is veterinary medicine, and reqiring the schematic of private practice to harness a healthy array of specialties in service to clients and pets.

Owners are devastated when they learn their practices are worth only a fraction of what they anticipated as they approach reitrement and contemplate a sale. But if you can understand why this occurs and identify if your practice is at risk, you can begin the process of recapturing this lost value for your practice.

To help bridge the communication gap between primary care veterinarians and specialists, the AAHA developed practical referral guidelines for companian animal practices.

These steps will guide you on your way toward establishing a referral network for your own practice.

Communication is an essential element of the relationship among primary care veterinarians, specialists, and clients.

Total employment is expected to increase by 15.6 million jobs during the 2006-2016 decade, according to the most recent employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

See how veterinarians, general practitioners, and general surgeons stack up.

It's never easy to be the bearer of bad tidings. But you can ease the hurt clients feel with a sensitive approach. Here's what you need to know to break bad news gently.

To invest our hard-earned dollars, many of us purchase securities in the stock market. It is purely legalized gambling. We are betting that, at some future date, we can sell that stock for a profit.

Dr. Gary Gallerstein knows that when clients bring their pets to the veterinarian, they're stressed out-and so are the pets.

It has been 17 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Although some veterinarians still fall short when it comes to making their business premises - and the practice itself - ADA compliant, others have used financial and tax incentives created to help ease the cost of complying with the ADA to improve and grow their practices.

In the wake of the devastating California wildfires that displaced more than 250,000 people and many more animals, pet owners should be more aware than ever that they need a plan for their animals during an emergency. You can help by getting your clients the information they need.

"What frustrates you most about your job?"

Shadyside, Pa. - Believed to be the first in this region, a veterinary practice has gone green.

An angry client taught me to probe deeper to uncover the real reason behind his seemingly unreasonable behavior.

Learn how to cut your costs and keep more in the coffers with these tips.

Everyone loves getting their piece of the pie, especially when it leads to an even bigger reward.

Make the most of downtime with a well-earned vacation, wellness appointments, and practice housekeeping.

Your "construction allowance" is considered taxable income unless you follow these rules.

For clients who believe their pet won't get lost or feel a collar and tag sufficiently identify their pet, Paige Phillips, RVT, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member, suggests sharing these examples of how a microchip can save the day-and their pet's life:

Q How can we prepare clients for unexpected costs that result from problems found during dental cleanings?

A doctor looks to shorten his ring time.

Dr. Gary Gallerstein knows that when clients bring their pets to the veterinarian, they're stressed out-and so are the pets.

Use this form to create your own list of reasons to smile. Then share your top answers with us.

Q. How can I get the most out of my practice's open house?

Complacency can kill relationships, skills, marriages, businesses, teams, countries and empires.

Some clients accept. Some nod a lot and disregard your advice. And some nod a lot, then go home to check for themselves. As frustrating as this last set can be, many pet owners who seek pet health information online are conscientious clients you want to hang onto.

You show consistency as a boss and respect for your top employees when you terminate someone who needs to go.