Business

Dr. Cyrena Rose, a relief veterinarian in Miami, Fla., suggests technicians check each chart during first puppy visits and annual exams to see whether a pet is microchipped. "If the pet has a chip, scan it to show clients that it's still working and remind them to keep their contact information updated with the company that manufactured the chip," says Dr. Rose. If clients moved or never registered, this helps them realize the importance of registering, she says. And of course, if the pet doesn't have a chip, this gives the technician an opportunity to explain the benefits of microchipping to the owner.

This doctor learned communication is a two-way street. And meeting this small dog in the middle made all the difference in the world.

As you may know, we launched a new magazine especially for team members last fall-Firstline. (Hopefully you've seen it around the practice. I'd be even happier if you saw it in your team members' hands.)

Backup equipment need not just sit on the shelf waiting to step in when things break down.

When you decide to invest in the stock market, keep in mind something that professional analysts must remember: Investing always requires weighing potential risk against potential award.

I suspect our sick-leave policy encourages employees to take time off when they're not really ill. Is there any way to prevent this?

Are your waste bins full of paper, cans, plastic, cardboard, and other recyclables? Use these quick tips to launch a recycling program in your practice.

Sometimes it's tough for a new associate to find his fit as part of the team, but having a good relationship with those up and down the roster is important for growth and success.

Nothing messes up a day like a steady string of interruptions.

Lynn Kessel, practice manager at Round Rock Animal Hospital in Round Rock, Texas, firmly believes that every hospital manager needs someone to vent to, share ideas with, or solve problems with. "The doctors are busy, and it may not be appropriate for a manager to share certain issues with employees," she says.

What does OSHA require employers to provide in a break room?

Changes in horse owners' expectations clear a path for better working conditions?and may let you dedicate more time to your patients.

There's more to a good site than the right location. Here's a look at the other factors you need to consider.

Veterinarians are paid by leftovers; that is any money left over after all other obligations have been satisfied.

There are tax advantages when you buy a hybrid automobile: a tax credit of up to $3,400, for instance.

Profanity in the workplace is on the rise along with court filings and complaints to EEOC.

How should I pay part-time veterinarians and gauge their benefits?

You may like the sound of doing it all, but that's not usually the most efficient way to work. So change your tune and leverage your team members more to increase your sanity?and the practice's profitability.

We asked new grad Dr. W. Andrew Rollo to team up with experienced practitioner Dr. Philip VanVranken to talk about the worries practitioners face in that first year?and what owners and associates can do to smooth the transition to practice.

Just ask a client which part of the anesthetic monitoring or pain relieving medications you should leave out to save them money at the expense of their pet's health.

Physicians once said nurses would dilute their earning power and endanger patient safety.

Like it or not, lay people can learn to competently perform many routine tasks.

Only about 80 percent of time slots will be accomplished despite the best plans, but it's better than 20 percent without a plan.

Well-managed practices work on management issues proactively, looking for ways to improve and innovate rather than just responding to the fires that arise each day. Of course, striving for excellence isn't a one-person job. And getting your team involved in finding better ways to serve clients is a great first step to being more proactive.

Sometimes these employees are simply in the wrong job. If so, just redeploy them.

Q I'm a recent graduate, and I find that the clients I see have no preference for which doctor examines their pet. How can I develop my own clientele?

A new campaign launched by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Fort Dodge Animal Health aims to let owners know their horses should get exams twice a year—in the spring and fall.

One of the great things about working on a magazine is that every month our team gets to meet more veterinarians. There are always new people calling with a question, sending us letters and practice tips, and submitting articles. Building those new relationships is very rewarding. And each one of you has an interesting story to tell.