TIPS AND ADVICE
INFORMATIVE ARTICLES
Telemedicine to the rescue-Today's Veterinary Business https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/telemedcine-to-the-rescue/
Veterinary Telehealth: What is it, Where Are We, What's Next?
https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/inside-navcveterinary-telehealth-whats-next/
The State of the VCPR
Telemedicine nears a crossroads
https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/telemedicine-nears-a-crossroads/
PRICING STRATEGIES
1. At my practice, I give the first surgery recheck consult for free. Or you can just give the first consult for free. This allows the client to download the app and see how easy it is to use!
2. Most vets will charge on a case by case basis. This means, some of the consults are charged, and some consults are done for free. In my practice, if I ask a client to send me a picture or video or text update, I may not charge. The really quick questions and answers I may not charge if they are a good client, or I may leave a consult open if I know it may take several days to resolve (having daily exchanges) before charging the client.
3. At my practice, I charge a consult fee (which is similar to my recheck exam fee in house) and this is $40. If I ask the client to bring the pet in for the remainder of the exam, then I charge the remainder of the exam in the hospital.
4. After hours or in-depth consults will range from $35-$75.
5. Some clinics have a monthly fee they charge per client for either unlimited usage or set number of usages.
6. Some clinics only use a videochat feature which is charged per consult, per 10 minute increments, or case by case depending on the subject and length.
*I think it worth noting that if you are a large hospital, you may have a telemedicine fee, and also charge a full in person exam fee. This is for those situations where one doctor may be doing the online consult, and another doctor does the in person exam.
There's an app for that - Today's Veterinary Business
MARKETING STRATEGIES
Ways to market your telemedicine
1. First check to see if the company you are using has marketing material and if they charge to help you market the app or if it is included when signing up.
2. Some companies are now able to brand your clinic with the app so find out if that is available and if it is something you want them to do for you.
3. Word of Mouth! Talk to your clients. Everyone who walks in your hospital gets information on your new communication tool. Have your front staff talk about it, your technicians in the exam, and finally the doctors.
4. Put information on your in house invoices.
5. Use push notifications through your app if you are already using one like Vet2Pet.
6. Email your clients.
7. Use social media outlets.
8. Have visual displays in the clinic.
9. Put the information in your new client packages or puppy/kitten packages.
STAFF INCENTIVES/ATTRACTING ASSOCIATES
1. Some practices are using this tool as an incentive for new associates or current associates to add to their salary as a bonus for the calls they triage.
2. Some clinics use this as a way to pay their associates or technicians if triaging after hours.
3. Telemedicine can be used to help clinics in which an associate needs to take an extended leave or cut back hours but can take telemedicine calls at home 1-2 days a week. This give the associate a way to stay connected to established clients and the hospital a way to help with the day to day schedule.