Animal Health Solutions

16 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | northamerica.covetrus.com Take the following scenarios into consideration for example: Scenario 1: Pet owner "Timmy" has been seeing his veterinarian for years. This veterinarian has comprehensive paperwork for Timmy's Labrador Retriever on file, including age, blood results, vaccination history, diet, and notes from a recent physical examination. Timmy is away on a family vacation, when his dog begins to show signs of agitation, including excessive panting and a lack of appetite. Based on his existing VCPR, Timmy engages in a video call with his veterinarian to explain the situation and even to show his Labrador exhibiting symptoms on camera. Based on the call and symptoms provided, Timmy's veterinarian makes some quick dietary suggestions to ease discomfort in his pet and tells him to see a local emergency veterinarian if the symptoms do not subside in 24-hours. Scenario 2: Pet owner "Judy" has recently moved to a new city and doesn't have an active VCPR for her Persian cat. Over the course of one weekend, her cat seems to lose her appetite almost completely, and also shows behavioral changes like becoming fatigued and reclusive. Judy attempts to call and text several local veterinarians in the area to get their opinions over the phone. However, none of these veterinarians have any paperwork to reference and cannot provide an accurate assessment. In this scenario, although Judy attempts to use the convenience of telemedicine, she does so inappropriately because no VCPR exists. The example of 'Scenario 2' is actually dangerous because it could cause an inaccurate assessment of the symptoms. Here, telemedicine is simply not an appropriate solution. The AVMA clearly asserts that although telemedicine is convenient, it still must be comprehensive. They state the following: " The veterinarian is expected to provide oversight of treatment, compliance, and outcome, as well as document the patient's continuing care and treatment in the medical record. The animal owner's consent for the use of telemedicine must also be obtained and documented." About the author Eric Garcia is an IT expert, digital marketer, industry thought leader. When it comes to helping veterinary practices streamline their technology and attract and retain clients, Eric has a proven track record of educating the industry and producing results. Eric is an IT and Digital Marketing consultant working exclusively with veterinary practices. In addition to a long list of clients, Eric's work has been recognized throughout the industry. He speaks regularly at conferences all throughout the world. Facebook: facebook.com/EricGarciaFL Twitter: @EricGarciaFL Instagram: @EricGarciaFL Rapport's built-in telemedicine functionality is a robust tool that can help veterinary practices manage and streamline telemedicine services. While the growing field of telemedicine provides incredible opportunities for remote consultations and care that's more accessible and convenient than ever before, it cannot supplant the traditional VCPR. This being said, it can complement this relationship by providing more options to both the veterinarian and pet owner in optimizing the overall health of their pet. Ultimately, if both pet owners and veterinary practices handle the opportunity for remote care and telemedicine responsibly, ongoing benefits to the world of veterinary medicine may be profound. When technology allows us to facilitate more accessible care for pets and their owners, it's a win-win. When veterinarians can provide consult more regularly and conveniently to their patients, it's a win-win-win. As long as we remember to be mindful and ensure that we use telemedicine as an extension of traditional in-person care, and not a replacement, we can look forward to seeing telehealth continue to grow as a result. Connecting with pet owners through telemedicine

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