Business

If you go on VIN, you will see dozens of posts and links trying to define what production pay is and how to pay it. Unfortunately, it is a constantly moving target. The current thinking is this:

Let's return to our story that began in this column in the May issue.

A form for pinpointing age-related problems

Clients often cannot comprehend what a cat or dog at a healthy weight looks like, so I give them a live demonstration with my own dog and cat, which are at ideal weights.

Your practice's identity goes far beyond a logo.

The image of the pebble cast into the pond sending a ring of small waves in all directions is indicative of the impact that rising energy costs have had on all facets of our society.

Experience running large referral practices, and a background in social work give this leader insights into the changes specialty care brings.

Q. How do I know whether I have the right retirement plan to meet my objectives?

Dr. Folkers performed 430 cystocentesis ultrasounds in 2006 for total extra income of $10,700.

Know the difference between advertising and public relations to maximize your results.

Legislators across the pond have enacted stricter rules to prevent animal cruelty and to mandate the responsibilities of pet ownership under penalty of fines and jail time.

Q. How can I get the doctors to take care of the equipment at my practice? They don't keep their trucks clean and often leave equipment behind on visits.

How much of your income is due to your performing surgery? Perhaps 15 percent? Even 20 percent?

You never know what you're going to see in practice-it can be a real mixed bag.

Confusion and misunderstanding often occur when two people attempt to communicate using two different languages.

How the CEO of Banfield has rewritten the rules of veterinary practice. ... Part 1 in The Change-Makers Series

You're on the hunt for a new associate. Here's how to find the right doctor for you and your practice.

Five tips from a veterinarian newly graduated as a certified canine rebailitation practitioner.

Lou Swinney wheeled his new SUV into the cramped parking lot. A cup holding his morning java suddenly jarred forward as he made the abrupt stop. The inertia sent a quarter of the contents on an additional journey. Swinney quickly wiped the rim and base of the cup with a tissue and barreled out of the vehicle toward the front door, a wide briefcase trailing from his right arm like a broken rudder.

There's a different kind of pain that comes from making the decision of life or death for a pet.

To many veterinarians, working capital is simply the cash they have on hand to pay their bills. Others may understand that it also includes such assets as accounts receivable and inventory.

An audit of these evidence-based decisions is essential to consistently practice and deliver quality medical care.

Current trends toward bigger veterinary practices - with more people using supplies, technology and equipment - and more part-time practitioners who don't have the concerns and pressures of ownership lead inevitably to decreasing profitability and higher debt.

A furniture and equipment log can be a valuable tool for any veterinary practice. It can be maintained on a spreadsheet program, with columns for the date of purchase, description of the asset, purchase price, supplier and other pertinent information.

Consider including a blood-typing test in new pet wellness packages.

How effective are special promotions in attracting new clients?

I can still remember the feeling of the tractor-tire cleats thumping across my back as I fell onto the tire when my uncle unexpectedly swerved the tractor, traveling in high gear.

Career 'journal' shows how a typical longtime practitioner could get caught unaware