Zap your laser therapy questions

It's the future, and we were all promised flying cars, rocket packs and laser guns.

At least the lasers came true for veterinary practitioners, who have been incorporating surgical lasers and laser therapy in hospitals for many years now.

But not everyone uses them, and not everyone gets all their questions answered. Here are three common questions from veterinarians and veterinary technicians considering a dive into therapy laser. This time, we went to the source-the people who make those lasers-for a few answers. (Laser-curious now? Check out the resources at the end.)

"Some practitioners I talk to have had trouble paying off the unit. It can be time- and staff-intensive. What do I need to charge to make my money back?"

A. The median vet K-Laser user charges $35 for check-in treatments and $12 for adjunct treatments like post-surgical and post-dental.

Aaron Bakken, K-Laser

"What are effective ways you've seen therapy laser marketed in veterinary practices?"

A. The most effective way to market your laser is to on-board your staff up front. Make sure everyone in the practice knows what it is and make sure doctors are prescribing it. Then focus on in-clinic marketing pieces that are visible in the waiting room and at the front desk. Lastly, focus on talking to your future customers via your website, paid search and direct mail.

Aaron Bakken, K-Laser

"Do you recommend acupuncture before, during or after therapy laser use?"

A. Acupuncture is best left to the experience and clinical judgement of the acupuncturist/veterinarian and their preference(s). Many practitioners have used laser therapy and acupuncture together. Technique varies based on the purpose for therapy and whether therapy laser is being used instead of traditional dry needling in a needle-sensitive patient.

Carl Bennett, Companion Animal Laser

But ... but ... I've got more questions!

Ready to dip your toe into the water with lasers of some kind in your practice beyond an inventory barcode scanner? Read this stuff, see this stuff, try this stuff ...

1. “Should your veterinary practice become laser-focused?” Dunno. Read that article by Jennifer Wardlaw, DVM, MS, DACVS, for more.

2.Compare models with this list. It's a couple years old, but it'll get you started. [...…]

3. Two practices shine a light (see what we did there?) on therapy laser in their hospitals' business model. [...…]

4. Learn about sponsored sessions and clinical courses on therapy laser and surgical laser at thecvc.com.