Animal Health Solutions

49 Q2 2022 | Animal Health Solutions We've been able to successfully navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic in large part due to our shift towards a fully cloud-based practice management system. It's helped us optimize our workflows, given us access to more meaningful, relevant data that we need, and streamlined our integrations and communications. Shailin Patel | Practice Manager Covetrus customer, quoted voluntarily without compensation Making things easier in tough times Despite rapid staff buy-in, and swift value recognition, it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Shailin and team. The timing of implementation was such that the small family practice had little breathing room before the sweeping disruptions brought on by Covid-19. Nevertheless, the added capabilities and resultant efficiencies of eVetPractice helped Deerwood Animal Hospital effectively weather the storm. Says Shailin, "We've been able to successfully navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic in large part due to our shift towards a fully cloud- based practice management system. It's helped us optimize our workflows, given us access to more meaningful, relevant data that we need, and streamlined our integrations and communications." Growing toward more accessible, affordable care The practice growth enabled by eVetPractice extends beyond revenue and in-clinic efficiencies. Says Shailin, "Now we can think more about growing our medical capabilities." He recalls a pivotal instance that inspired Dr. Patel to open his own practice in the first place. While working at a prior clinic, Dr. Patel needed to refer a client to a specialist for a level of care he couldn't provide. Later, he discovered that client sitting on the curb outside the practice, holding her pet and crying because she could not afford that additional care. A referral to a specialist can become a point of peak uncertainty and anxiety for pet owners in terms of both potential costs and probable care outcomes. By expanding their medical infrastructure, the team at Deerwood Animal Hospital has built their business on being able to help stabilize, or even lower costs, with hopes to relieve uncertainty and anxiety and to maximize quality of care. For example, Shailin highlighted the impact of being able to send a client to a specialist with all of the diagnostics already done. "The first thing we did was upgrade our X-ray machine to exactly the same X-ray machine they have at the specialty hospital down the road," he says, adding that Deerwood Animal Hospital charges half the price for its X-rays. An added upside is the new machine's integration with eVetPractice; it can import images directly into the patient record. "It's super easy for us to use a tool." An ultrasound system soon followed the X-ray machine investment, and the benefits to the client have also grown. "We might not be able to do the surgery, but at least we can have some impact so they can take their care to the next stage," says Shailin. "Then they can focus a lot more on consulting with the doctor, asking the right questions, and maybe actually be able to afford the surgery or medication." Conclusion Over time, each diagnostic tool or medical device added to the practice has complemented its growth trajectory. Equipment costs have been balanced out by new clients and recurring revenue streams enabled by other platforms, such as their online pharmacy, which integrates with eVetPractice. Ultimately, the more efficient Deerwood Animal Hospital has become through their technology, the more they've been able to accommodate their clients' needs.

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