Keep your options open for veterinary clients' payments

Every veterinary practice should consider all client payment options before settling on a “menu” to recommend. The top three options last year were third-party payment providers, in-house payment plans and wellness or monthly plans, according to recent data in Benchmarks 2014: A Survey of Well-Managed Practices from Wutchiett Tumblin and Associates and Veterinary Economics. Do you offer those choices now? Or, are you ready to try something new?

When offering payment options, follow the same guidelines as you would for treatment. Instead of opening the pet insurance conversation by leaving the work to the clients to choose the best plan and “get back to you,” narrow the recommendation to two or three. There are reasons for choosing any particular payment option among the wide range of choices, but be the expert and pick a few.

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For tips and tricks about adusting your practice's procedures according to Benchmarks standards, visit dvm360.com/2014benchmarks.