Pass on emergencies

Q. Although there are three emergency clinics in the area, the practice I work at always sees its clients' emergencies. This is frustrating, but the owner says that clients love it. Is this reasonable?

Dr. Craig Woloshyn

"There may be some validity to this argument," says Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Craig Woloshyn, owner of the Animal Medical Clinic and Sun Dog Veterinary Consulting in Spring Hill, Fla. "But I suspect your clients would be quite happy with competent care delivered in a timely manner, no matter the doctor's name."

When you send your patients to an emergency clinic after hours, they get better care and you get a happier life—and your clients reap the benefits, he says. Here are some specific reasons to refer emergencies:

• Emergency doctors are generally more competent than general practitioners at emergency care.

• Emergency facilities offer more advanced technology than most general practices.

• Emergency teams are rested and alert when they see patients.

• Your patients may be adversely affected the next day if you don't sleep.

• Emergencies can take a toll on your personal life.

If your boss is reluctant to give up emergencies, Dr. Woloshyn says, start with weekends and see how it goes. Call each client after the emergency clinic visit and ask how he or she was treated. If the owner still refuses, ask this question: Who'll take care of your clients when you have a stress-related heart attack and are in cardiac rehab for six months?

Editors' note: For more from Dr. Woloshyn on veterinarians' responsibility regarding emergency care, see "An epitaph for Cotton".