Business

You've outgrown your facility and want to build something bigger and better. You've found a couple of possible locations, and you're starting to look at interest rates.

Here are some reasons that either solely or in combination may make firing a client desirable.

Personal use of business-earned frequent flyer program premiums continues as a gray area when it comes to taxability.

Veterinarians are often asked to talk to various groups regarding animal health and management issues. Financial compensation may or may not be offered, but is usually not enough to justify the time needed for preparation and presentation.

About the middle of the last century, shortly after the second consecutive war that was designed to prevent all future wars, the brain trusts of the universities of our land decided to add a hefty scoop of veterinary colleges to their intellectual diets.

The Greens appear unannounced as the staff is finishing the daily close out.

As veterinarians warm up to cyber communicating, are you exposing yourself to malpractice and other legal claims?

Drs. Lamar and Amber Crossland knew they wanted Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic in central Texas to appeal to long-time ranchers as well as to the Austin urbanites who'd fled the city for greener pastures in Dripping Springs, Texas. And the mixed animal practice also needed to accommodate a gamut of patients, from livestock to polo horses to pampered pooches. One last requirement: seamless movement between the large animal and small animal sides of the practice, because all staff members worked in both areas.

Twenty-four percent of Well-Managed Practices offer separate canine and feline seating areas. How separate do the areas need to be to make the distinction effective, and how could you add this feature to a facility economically?

Many definitions are available. However, ethical issues deal with principles concerning:

Dr. Fred Metzer details how to use your staff effectively to incorporate a senior care program and achieve client compliance.

I suppose, looking through my retrospectoscope, that there was never a time in our profession, when medical expertise alone, made less of an impact, and communication skills made more of a difference between economic success and just barely surviving in practice.

The tension at the office was palpable. People spoke in short, terse sentences. Small talk was absent. Doors and drawers were closed with a bit too much force. There was no laughter at all.

Establishing ethical standards in practice starts with owner

How do your clients respond when you and your staff have gone the extra mile to provide care for their beloved animal companions?

Your choice to work in the beauty of the countryside or on the teeming street corner in view of all passersby may influence your state of mind-but it also affects your pay. The Brakke Management and Behavior Study, released in 1999, shows that practitioners who choose to live in rural settings generally earn less than their urban counterparts. For example, practice owners who work in communities of 2,500 people or fewer earn 21 percent less than owners who live in larger communities.

As a youngster, clichés seemed so boring. But guess what? They're back in style and they can help to sharpen our focus.

The expense of using a portion of your home "exclusively" for business purposes is, as everyone knows, tax deductible. Changes to the tax laws that became effective in 1999, significantly increased the number of veterinarians who were eligible to deduct home office expenses.

When Dr. Randy Spencer stepped outside his hospital doors 13 years ago and glanced around the growing suburb of Phoenix that surrounded First Regional Animal Hospital, he didn't like what he saw. Ten veterinary hospitals were situated within a 3-mile radius of the practice. "That kind of competition dampens productivity," says the 1987 Colorado State graduate.

Bob, an 8-year-old West Highland Terrier is waiting. Bob used to be 'Bobby' but the years have aged him. Bob's owners, John and Sarah, have been somewhat neglectful of Bob.

You know; work 52 hours a week because you just can't find an associate willing to come to work for you for less than you are taking home yourself.

So you want a raise, a vacation, a smile; well, here is what the boss wants: good employees and team members.

Recently I interviewed a man for a job as manager of one of the Agway T.S.P.F.TM Heifer Farms. This position involves overseeing the care of 3,500 animals, supervising a staff of 13 people, adhering to a budget, and interacting with customers and potential customers.

To show staff members how much they earn each year--not just in salary, but in benefits, too--give them a total compensation statement. (PDF)

To show staff members how much they earn each year--not just in salary, but in benefits, too--give them a total compensation statement. (PDF)

Dr. Troy Bearden likens building a new hospital to walking a tightrope without a net. "You take a chance and hope you don't fall," he says. For him and his partner, Dr. Catherine Mabe, the risk paid off. Their 5,300-square-foot Shallowford Animal Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., more than doubles the size of their former facility and won a Merit Award in the 2002 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition. Two years after opening, the doctors still see new-client numbers increase 30 percent a month.

Comprehensive approach to discussion arms client to make informed decision

Dr. Karen Overall shows how to effectively use support staff to oversee behavior counseling within a practice.

Tax return extension is almost always the most advisable course of action for those with more complex tax issues.

"Oh, by the way. One of the drug companies is arranging for one of their veterinarians to come in and evaluate our mastitis problems. I think he is supposed to be here on Friday."