Veterinarian-free office visits: Technician appointments

Technicians can handle routine care for your practice the way nurse practitioners do at hospitals and walk-in clinics in human medicine. This can free you and other doctors to focus on diagnoses and more complex procedures. Here are some examples of services technicians can provide. (Be sure to check your state law to see what technicians can perform in your state.)

> blood draws for preanesthetic testing

> thyroid checks

> heartworm tests

> urinalysis retests

> nail trims and bird grooming

> certain vaccinations

> anal gland expression

> scheduled radiographs

> fluid administration

> ear cleanings.