James F. Wilson, DVM, JD

Educational debt

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.

Clients complain about our $100 consultation fee for specialty dental care. Could I have a veterinary assistant do a less thorough estimate exam for $25? We would avoid the hassle of creating a medical record and providing a communication letter to the referring doctor.

I disagree with recent decisions my boss made and with the quality of his practice. After 12 years, I'm ready to move out on my own. I don't have a noncompete agreement and plan to open a practice in the same town. My clients deserve to know I'm leaving and should have the opportunity to follow me. What can I do?

How are contracts for specialists different from contracts for generalists?