Market Trends

Making a few small changes can have a big impact on your practice's utility bills and the environment

National Report - Some call it evolutionary. Others consider it a mistake. No matter how it's defined, limiting the licenses of veterinarians is stirring national debate, from college classrooms to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The outcome could mean licensure limitations, experts say.

National Report - Veterinary practitioners must learn to adapt to current trends and changes that are reshaping American society if they expect to remain successful, a leading practice consultant warns. "How will the future be different? It will be limited only by your imagination and desire," says Karyn Gavzer, MBA, CVPM. "But one thing's for sure: To paraphrase a quote from Will Rogers, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Veterinary Pet Insurance recently analyzed medical claims submitted in 2007 to find the most expensive insured conditions commonly suffered by dogs and cats.

Cleveland - Last fall, DVM Newsmagazine documented that complaints against veterinarians are on the rise. And now the magazine has assembled a diverse panel of thought-leaders to discuss why.

Palm Springs, Calif. - The creation of cat-care guidelines for veterinarians and pet owners is the first in a series of steps aimed to reverse the trend of decreasing feline veterinary visits at a time of increasing cat ownership.

Tbensalem, pa. - Dr. John Rossi questions his decision to become a veterinarian.

Which philosophy about animals most closely aligns with your own?

I am absolutely convinced that veterinarians will be faced with more intrusive government rules and regulations than ever before. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's going to get worse.

Boston - It's a surprise when Alan Van Tassel comes to visit. He drops by unannounced during business hours, makes a quick introduction and starts poring over a seven-point inspection checklist.

As various associations adopt guidelines or standards of care for the practice of veterinary medicine, a concern exists that they will be interpreted as current standards of practice by state regulatory boards and the attorneys general who represent them before they have been accepted by the masses.

Are you facing a state-board inquiry? Think you can handle it alone?

In calming an irate client, remember your tone and goal. Keep your tone normal when talking to the client and your body relaxed. Always remember that your goal should be to listen to their needs and try to meet them when appropriate.

National Report - Client expectations have increased over the last two years, according to 80 percent of veterinarians surveyed.

National Report - Consumers chalked up another victory in the battle of the public's right to know vs. a veterinarian's right to privacy.

The emotional cost of defending oneself in a state-board investigation sometimes runs deep.

National Report - A veterinarian seeking to protect his or her reputation and practice may be forced to battle an unlikely nemesis - the mailman.

Fort Collins, Colo. -- He's been preaching about pain management for more than a decade. CSU ethicist Bernard Rollin found a choir with the release of AAHA and AAFP guidelines.

Data compiled by DVM Newsmagazine editors

National Report - Standards of care are on the rise across the nation. Yet a blurry line marks the difference between negligence and proper care because acceptable standards often are based on region, rather than documented guidelines.

Sacramento, Calif. - Invite Dr. Wade Himes to shed light on the inner-workings of state regulatory agencies and he pauses, then laughs and asks, "Do you want me to lose my license?"

Worcester, Mass. - In 1992, I graduated from veterinary school and began job hunting. I searched through journal ads and mailed out resumes. When I called one clinic to make sure they had received my resume, the clinic owner picked up the phone. What he said astounded me.

Denver, Colo. - Changing viewpoints on addressing companion-animal pain and the benefits of doing so are highlighted in newly created pain-management guidelines - the product of a partnership task force between the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

Austin, Texas - Veterinary regulators employ a "monopolistic licensing scheme" to put lay equine dentists out of business. Their anti-competition tactics are unconstitutional, punishing those with skills that "far exceed that of nearly every veterinarian in the state of Texas."

Minneapolis - For 59 years, Dr. Carl Seemann practiced as northern Minnesota's surgical "spine man," a solo generalist who, at age 84, saw three clients a day until Christmas last year.

National Report - When a medical case goes bad, consumers are more likely to complain to state boards than in years past, veterinarians report.

Please describe your total number of patient visits to date in 2007, compared to 2006

With the number of client complaints on the rise, more veterinarians sooner or later will have to answer to their state regulatory boards.