48 Covetrus
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ph:
855.724.3461
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fx:
888.329.3861
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northamerica.covetrus.com
Book overdue
procedures
Resuming elective procedures doesn't mean opening the
floodgates for patients. Veterinarians should collaborate
with the client care team to prioritize the order of patients.
Contact clients with pets that needed elective procedures
in January through May but were unable to schedule due
to restrictions. Focus on grade 3 and 4 dental procedures
so you may treat these advanced cases first. Search your
practice management software for patients that were due
for spays and neuters, too.
Say, "This is calling from .
Dr. asked me to follow up on 's dental
diagnosis from early March. We can begin performing
dental procedures on . We can schedule 's dental procedure on or . Which
do you prefer?"
The average dental case totals $516 with preanesthetic
screening, 30 minutes of anesthesia, and full-mouth X-rays
(no extractions), according the AAHA Veterinary Fee
Reference.
5
Because grade 3 and 4 procedures may have
extractions, you'll likely see cases of $1,000 or greater.
A spay for dog weighing less than 25 pounds averages
$236, while a neuter is $199.
6
A cat spay averages $198,
and a neuter is $123.
7
Preanesthetic screening would be
additional for spays and neuters. Add thousands to your
daily production with these procedures.
Forward book pets
with checkups coming
due during the next
one to two months
If a patient will be due July 15th, send the reminder July
1 to book the checkup for the week of July 15th. Use a
combination of email, text, app notices, and calls to prompt
clients to book now.
Filling your future schedule guarantees income. Forward
book checkups as "spacers" throughout your schedule. A
checkup should be 1) First appointment of the day, 2) First
appointment after lunch (it's like hitting the reset button),
and 3) Last appointment of the day. Sandwich a sick-
patient exam between two checkups to keep your schedule
on track. These scheduling techniques will create smoother
exam flow.
Talk with your Covetrus representative about these
educational programs and other Covetrus resources
that can be a roadmap for your practice to rebound.
About the author Wendy S. Myers, CVJ, has been training veterinary teams for more than 20 years as owner of
Communication Solutions for Veterinarians. She helps teams improve their telephone and communication skills so more pet owners say
yes to medical care. Wendy shares her expertise through conferences, online courses, and monthly CE credit webinars. She is a certified
veterinary journalist and author of five books. Her passion is to help practices like yours thrive and grow through effective communication
skills. You may reach her at wmyers@csvets.com or www.csvets.com.
References
1. Industry Summary. June 15-20, 2020. VetSuccess. Data of 2,800 practices. Available at: https://view.communications.vetsuccess.com/?qs=e42c6cc49346d392f1719b67d7c7ef2aa3053
336a9d5bb43b7825b079652f980c35ecd4f534c680cf2fadd3d4a28b8cf41f25839802dfe787f1f970ea972de77013edc89910660431ff4ec5d1253d897. Accessed June 23, 2020.
2. Survey finds declining practice revenue, move toward telemedicine. JAVMA News. Published April 29, 2020. Available at: https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2020-05-15/survey-finds-
declining-practice-revenue-move-toward-telemedicine. Accessed May 4, 2020.
3. AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 10th ed., 2018. AAHA Press:39,158,120,142,175,62,61,62,63.
4. AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 10th ed., 2018. AAHA Press:41,120,142,175,152,64,65,61.
5. AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 10th edition, AAHA Press, 2018;99.
6. AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 10th edition, AAHA Press, 2018;319,315.
7. AAHA Veterinary Fee Reference, 10th edition, AAHA Press, 2018;321,317.
3 Steps to rapid revenue recovery
