Idea Exchange: Complimentary wellness panels

Our hospital's veterinary assistants came back from a national CE conference with a great idea. When drawing blood, we draw enough for a wellness panel. If the client pays for heartworm testing and a 12-month supply of flea and heartworm preventive, the wellness panel is free. This practice has already proved valuable. The results of one wellness panel revealed an eosinophilia—additional testing confirmed whipworms. Another panel identified a case of possible hypothyroidism, and subsequent testing revealed low T3, T4, and free T4 concentrations. Consequently, all of our staff members will attend CE programs this year!

Dr. Ronald LinkenheilCorning, N.Y.