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At the veterinary school, while the Vet gains vital knowledge on the treatment of animals, the true success of their Vet practice, will also depend on the efficient management of the practice, and caring communications with the Pet owners.
It is important for the Vet to adapt to newer web based and mobile technologies that assist in efficient practice management, improving and standardizing processes thus improving overall patient care.
The effective use of powerful and user-friendly vet practice software can improve productivity and patient care by leaps and bounds. Paperless Medical Records, template driven processes, Electronic White Board, Appointment scheduler, Invoice makers and Built in system processing will all help streamline your business.
The vet software should have the following features:
- Web based, cross platform (PC, Mac, Web, Mobiles, Ipads etc)
Easy access from any device with a browser.
- Template driven processes
Veterinarians should be able to create and modify their processes, forms, data, triggers so that it becomes the guideline for all to follow
- Client and pet record keeping
Client and pet records can be easily accessed without having to manually file everything on paper. The records (includes pet history, vaccinations, previous vet visits, invoices etc) should be easily accessible from the web, or a mobile for both the Vet and the Pet owners.
- Billing/ payments
Tracking of bill payments can be made. Also the outstanding payments can be noted down. So keep a check on the client data and flag those clients who show discrepancies in their payments. This will alert the front staff in charge of administration activities and they will follow up on the same.
- Reports & Analytics
Proper reports can be maintained in a tabular or graphical form so performance and efficiency can be measured and improved.
- Inventory control
Inventory control modules help to check on the available stock of drugs/ medicines, devices and other utilities. Set up alerts for those medicines/ drugs that are being utilized on a faster basis, so that advance measures can be taken to make them available at times.
-Automated reminders
Reminders can be set for scheduled visits, vaccinations etc. Concentrate on building a good and continuous rapport with the client. Direct mail marketing and reminder emails are a great way of building a long term relationship.
-Calendars
Appointments, resource management and doctor visits can be scheduled easily at click of a button.
To sum it up, veterinary software is an invaluable friend for the running of a successful Vet practice, multi-specialty clinic or Vet hospital. Many veterinary schools are now teaching about use of technology to improve productivity of the Vet practice as part of curriculum.
Using a web based practice management system ensures that you have access to the vital medical information all the time, from anywhere, right from the comfort of your home. Now even more if you are a MAC user. This technology becomes all the more flexible, when you can access it from Home, Starbucks or from the Car.
A Mac user can easily access the veterinary practice’s software without having to opt for special veterinary software for the MAC.
Such software comes with training videos that take you through various aspects of the program, like being able to enter new client information, generate new invoices, and send email reminders and so on.
Innovative features
- Digital whiteboard: Access friendly templates for regular treatment, scheduling of patients, and regular updating of information. Easy transfer of information for future invoice purpose.
- Client management: Proper filing of client information and tracking of payments made, post dated checks etc. Quick search by client name, phone, email etc
- Patient management: Complete information of the pet, including a photograph capture. Quick search facility by pet number, pet ID number etc,
- Reminder calling: Send reminder emails to the client with respect to follow-ups or pending payments.
- Set appointments: Know which client has an appointment with you during the week or month-wise, based on whatever calendar you set up.
- Point of sale: Satisfy your client by sending a birthday email or card on the pet’s birthday, showing them how much you care for their pet.
- This opens up an easy-to-use and better way to serve your clients. Short reimbursement cycles, increased efficiencies, detailed reports on revenues, collection and payment status and a long term client relationship.
Life could never have been so easy for Vets
This kind of software makes work easier like never before. It helps you maintain regular and complete animal records. Detailed medical, surgical and prescription information is now at your fingertips. It is easy to track the previous medical history and records of your patient.
Customized for all practices
Each user has the freedom to use the device of his/ her choice. Technology has opened up venues to work in a heterogeneous environment. Use your precious time wisely on management and customer care rather than figuring out how to use the software.
So now even if you use a MAC, technology is on your side. You don’t have to run helter skelter looking for a special kind of veterinary software for the MAC.
Web access for your client's pet’s medical record leads to Improved pet care. It can come very handy in times of emergencies and increases convenience.
The veterinarian needs to connect with the patient and the pet’s owner to develop a healthy relationship. Educating the owner about the pet’s overall health care, about filing the animal’s vital stats and maintaining a regular record of its medical history is equally necessary. Communication is not just giving information.
Giving Internet access to your client's pet’s medical record using the right Veterinary computer software enables viewing of the complete medical record online i.e. complaints, discussions, plan, assessments, treatment advice, reminders list etc. This means anytime, anywhere access on web and phone, by the client and the Vet.
Additionally one can view the complete transaction history, view and print certificates report cards, receipts, invoices. Also it’s easy to receive lab reports, x-rays and radiology images online instantaneously as soon as it has been grabbed of the machine or received from the online lab, and approved and reported on by the Vet practice.
A well developed EMR not only logs what is done and what needs to be done but also helps capture the Vet’s thought process and it forms an important aspect to refer to on a revisit or by a specialist. These type of medical records online is of great value.
The client can communicate with the Veterinary Practice online and comments are logged into the medical record. Refills and appointments can also be requested online. The client communication could also support images and video. The client will also be able to update the records in terms of details of the animal, weight, past services or holiday service executed by another VET by scanning a document into the system etc.
Also customized messaging can be sent from the Veterinarian. Automated reminders for services and vaccinations via email and text messages on the phone is another important feature.
This caring communications module of the Veterinary computer software is an important value add to the online medical record management system, for both the clients and Vets.
In a veterinary practice, the job of a practice manager is quite challenging. It is the most effective and least stressed managers who are able to delegate work well. Governance aided through rightly designed technology is the only means for them to excel in what they do.
The foundation, if built on quality of care, will see them through in the long run and this is needed in a veterinary hospital environment.
It is impossible for these people in charge to manually manage and to carry on the day-to-day operations effectively, as there are chances of errors. The advent of the Internet and web-based veterinary practice management systems on the cloud has lowered cost of entry and simplified the task of managing various activities which in other cases would have led to duplication of work and would have created impediments to meeting timelines and customer expectations.
Web based Vet Practice Management Software
This vet practice management software can be used from a small vet clinic, chain of clinics to even hospitals. A web based support system can simplify the job of a practice manager to a great extent. The software allows the customers to register themselves, request appointments, access their medical records online, print duplicate certificates and other transaction history, publish lab reports as soon as they are available from in-house equipment and from online labs, etc. This eliminates a lot of manual work and thus helps the staff to concentrate on patient care, client communications and marketing.
Some of the features or benefit factors leveraging the fact that the application is online leads to:
• Automation of repetitive tasks
• Additional revenue streams which were non existent earlier and prevention of revenue leakages
• In time patient care
• Faster turnaround of activities
• Convenience
• Easier Implementation of Marketing Strategies
• Improved Communications
The other important task is its implementation. A new initiative means welcoming change. This may seem rather difficult initially; however, if the practice manager takes on the responsibility and gets the hospital employees, clinicians, technicians and other support staff to be open to such changes then this can bring about a positive difference to the way things are run at the practice taking the practice well into the next decade.
Using online Veterinary software at the Vet Clinic helps connect the Veterinarian and the Pet Owners seamlessly. In addition the data that is created, managed and maintained as a result when the pet visits the hospital, is recorded in the Veterinary Patient Medical Record.
These web based data based software stores information in the form of Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Electronic Medical Records gives the doctor, the pet’s owner and the other doctors of the pet and specialists, to browse through the medical information in times of need. This is an efficient and convenient way of handling vital information. This mode of storing important data ensures faster and timely diagnosis for the pet.
How will these medical records help?
These records help to make a note of the vaccinations; the previous dates and the dates of future vaccinations to be taken. The records of pets like dogs and cats need to also include dates of fecal examinations for parasites. It is very essential for every owner who loves his pet to maintain a file of the pet’s vital statistics/ history. Some owners do not consider it important to maintain a regular record of their pet’s medical history, but with time the essence of doing the same is being understood by pet owners.
For a pet owner it a better option to visit a veterinarian who has access to online based data management software. The pet owner then can maintain the Health Records for their Pet in an online database which contains the pet’s entire medical background. This is itself a powerful service that can be offered to the pet owner.
Also the EMR data can be extremely valuable for the Vet Practice to run targeted marketing campaigns. One can map specific product positioning against the type of pet that it would be useful for and prevent revenue leakages.
- Easy access to your pet’s medical information as per your convenience
- Timely medical reminders via email and text messaging
- Checklist of vaccination dates, regular health check-up dates, immunizations, documentation, make it easy for specialist consultations via their Vets etc.
Specific educational information specific to the pet can be sent at the right intervals and periods in time so that the pet owner can be made aware of certain services that are important to the well-being of the pet.
In case of emergencies, this Veterinary Practice Management Software will come handy. And it will also save you and your pet from wasting time and energy in a dire situation.
The Vet is the most valuable and trustworthy gateway to the Pet owner as the Owner understands that the Veterinarian always has the best interest for the pet in mind.
In today’s fast-paced economy, just like every other entrepreneur, even veterinary practices are seeking ways to keep their costs low. Instead of just wondering of what to do to cut costs, it might be a better option to think of ways and strategies to increase revenue streams and prevent revenue leakages. This will help add substantial values to the bottom line.
The main pillar to achieve this revenue growth is a “web-based practice management software” that uses the information generated in a Veterinarian’s practice. The web based data management and analysis system with the appropriate functionality and automation for communication can assist all the partners of the ECO system to be connected online i.e. Owners, Staff at the Veterinarian Practice, Vendors, Specialists, Labs & Pharmacies.
There are many incremental benefits to the bottom line with the above solution in respect to efficiency resulting in a practitioner being able to spend more time on patient care and revenue generating opportunities.
Apart from these, reporting on examinations can be done from anywhere, request for proposal, purchase ordering and inventory updation can be done in free time or even outsourced. Access to data in case of Emergencies is a great thing to have as data is always online and records are always up to date. Work need not be done only from the practice location and only during office time.
A properly set up and well managed web based Vet practice software gives you the freedom to access information from anywhere in the world, anytime as per your convenience, from the comfort of your home or even just your phone. Now isn’t that a boon? Won’t these benefit quotient help in building and managing your veterinary property and practice better?
Improved Communications, Automation, Efficiency & Convenience (with anywhere, anytime, any device access) will help achieve your revenue goals.
Veterinary practice management is a lot of work. It is definitely time consuming and very tedious with all the record keeping, reporting, communications, analysis, supply chain management that needs to be done. But the good news is that help is available online. One can avail of online veterinary clinic software to make things simpler and efficient.
The online VET clinic software only needs an internet connection and is accessible from any device i.e. a windows PC or laptop, a MAC and even an iPAD. Many good vet practice software’s do not need special software developed for the MAC. Any device with a browser should be good enough no matter what operating system it has.
When it comes to better management of the busy time schedule of a veterinarian, web based online software comes handy. With the web based Veterinary software in place, reporting on examinations can be done from anywhere, request for proposal, purchase ordering, inventory updation can be done in free time or even outsourced. Marketing can also be an outsourced activity with complete security of data. Access to data in case of Emergencies is a great thing to have as data is always online and records are always up to date. Work need not be done only from the practice location and only during office time.
Apart from the above mentioned features, the online web-based veterinary practice management software is ideal for multi clinic setups and even for hospitals. It gives complete freedom for patients to move between clinics and also supports staff movement between practices. Clients can even login to access patient records (i.e. Veterinary EMR- Electronic Medical Record) and other services. For mobile VETs, being able to access client information on a cell phone or an iPAD is a big bonus. Images from a remote site can be taken on a cell phone and emailed into the online software so as to be inserted directly into the patients medical record. This also forms an excellent means of communication when treatment is done by a Veterinary Specialist. The discussions logs, treatment and examination communications are seamless between the General Practitioner, Specialist and the Owner.
A properly set up and well managed software gives you the freedom to access information from anywhere in the world, anytime as per your convenience, from the comfort of your home or even just your phone. Now isn’t that a boon?
The outcome that an online management software can generate is mind boggling especially, in today’s fast paced, multitasking generation. The choice of the right veterinary management software, packed with brilliant features, and usability is what will trigger a brighter future in terms of better work management for veterinary practitioners. Choose a Veterinarian Practice Management software on the Cloud and you will spend a small fraction of the cost is you had to do it yourself.
This is truly a Go Green Feature – Save a Forest - Go Online.
1. Simple and affordable IT Infrastructure
• It’s not possible for all veterinary institutions, especially smaller practices to be able to afford a high-tech IT environment. The infrastructure used is top of line and simply financially unviable if one were to create a similar setup
• Since Vetport is web-based you don’t have to worry about ever again about software deployment and hardware expenses; old servers, upgrades, disk crashes, data losses, viruses, faulty terminals, etc.
2. Mobility
• Few things are as important as mobility, in today’s on-the-go world. With Vetport you do not have to worry about lugging paperwork with you or worrying about getting the information when you want it. All you do is use the internet to access the application, whenever you need it and wherever you may be. This ensures great mobility in your operations and allows one to handle out-of-office emergencies as well as improve productivity, messaging and communications.
3. Cohesion
• With Vetport, all participants of the veterinary ecosystem can work together. It is possible to give a secure access to all the select sections of your practice management system like pet owners (for patient records), specialists, vendors, outsourcing partners, practice managers and staff members, making the process of working together a lot smoother and hassle-free.
4. Accessibility
• Its web-based technologies allow for access from any device with a browser. This eliminates the need for specific investments that you make and maintain just for troublesome clinic hardware.
5. It allows the IT staff to shift focus
• With Vetport the IT staff does not have to worry with constant server hardware and software management and constant updates. They are now free to concentrate on innovation.
6. Faster Scalability and Flexibility
• A new clinic and support infrastructure can be set up in no time and can be managed remotely.
• Data storage can be increased on demand and resources can be increased swiftly as the load increases
• The clinic set-up can be accessed from anywhere you require, both as a collective whole or individually depending on the security rights given.
7. It is highly automated
• It improves the features’ utility and improves the possibility of integration with other environments and applications. Specialist and referrals practice access, third party lab integration, imaging aggregators, price aggregators, EHR and CDSS implementation and analytics are some examples.
8. Reduction in costs
• Vetport’s Cloud based solution greatly reduces the total ownership costs
• There are no heavy demands crunching your cash flow since payments are made monthly and no large upfront payments are needed for the procurement of hardware or software.
9. Faster Support Turnaround
• The infrastructure is wholly web-based and centrally served. Therefore, any changes that need to be made to fix a problem have to be updated at a central location and not on every desktop. This helps introduce software bug fixes and updated versions of the product seamlessly, quickly and without any fuss.
10. Better Security• Vetport offers a state-of-the-art secure environment from the inside out with safety features like secure communication, built-in data security and a comprehensive audit trail documenting the changes made. Since in most cases the security is comprised from within rather than external factors, access can be controlled as per the specifications from the data center where the application is hosted.
Managing a veterinary practice is a time-consuming and difficult task for most veterinarians. Skills required, are outside the medical domain i.e. extensive process mapping along with effective control systems to monitor the processes, coupled with resource management, customer service, marketing, inventory management, auditing and financial management. All this may seem intimidating to most vets but VETport has managed to create a simple way to consolidate all these areas. VETport’s EMR is the starting point from which other functions that manage a Veterinary practice are triggered viz. supply chain, finance management, resource management, scheduling, patient care, marketing etc. and not the other way around.
VETport’s Problem Oriented Medical Record approach to creating the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) is the highest standard for medical record keeping. This system has been designed keeping in mind key areas such as usability, efficiency, mobility and flexibility.
About VETport’s EMR
The VETport EMR is an XML based document making data exchange between differing systems a far smoother process. This facilitates the software’s detailed and fast reporting and analytics.
It has been designed to be logical to use with lots of predefined medical data preloaded viz. Subjective History forms, Objective forms, Lab Report Templates, Generic / Brand Drugs with default dosages, usages, routes, frequency & directions, preventive medicines and more.
Further we allow Automatic Prescriptions to be generated with Automatic Drug Processing to calculate the Dosages. Differential lists help achieve best practices and move towards a Clinical Decision Support system. All this is template driven and can be added to and modified in the hands of the user.
An EMR system with a difference, the VETport veterinary practice management software has been designed in such a way that it can be individualized for each user’s veterinary practice thus creating a valuable knowledgebase of intellectual property. This is the base on which one can scale their operations i.e. multiple clinics.
The Veterinary Electronic Medical Record helps trigger automated email reminders, aids decision-making when managing resources and scheduling, automates educational information and integrates seamlessly with in-house lab equipment and external labs. Specialist Practices can view and work on patient records of a General Practitioner and vice versa can get Referral practices to work within their environments.
About VETport
VETport is an effective online veterinarian practice management software solution, created to improve the business practices of Veterinarian General Practitioners and Veterinary Specialists the world over through it’s EMR system. VETport, integrates the Veterinarian ECO system, with the absence of any complicated hardware, This web based software is hosted online and accessible anywhere, (even from Starbucks), anytime and on any device with a browser (even an iPAD). VETport is known for it’s depth of functionality and is constantly innovating with new features at a blinding pace. For more information visit http://www.vetport.com/ and register yourself for access to a full functionality online demo.
Managing a veterinary practice efficiently is one of the most important aspects contributing towards its success. With today’s technologically advanced business models, the use of veterinary practice software is becoming more and more common. The right veterinary management software solution can be a huge help in the management processes of veterinary clinics and help you run the establishment at its optimum productivity.
Web based veterinary practice software gives you all the benefits of a traditional system and more, without the caveats of a traditional server based software solution. Going online eliminates the need for expensive hardware, upgrade costs, inevitable hard-drive and system failures and the like. Well-running web based management software gives you the freedom of access to information anywhere and anytime, at home, at work or even at Starbucks. This lends itself to a much needed freedom from portability and software deployment hassles. It allows integration of the complete ECO system i.e. the General Practitioner, The Specialist, The Owner, The Vendor and the Laboratories and gets them to work in perfect harmony.
Wouldn’t it be great if all you need is an internet connection to make sure the work is expedited in a timely and efficient manner? It can be simple to use, profitable and can cut down on troublesome and time-consuming paperwork, integrate with your lab equipment and online Labs like Antech as well as help standardize your business processes and services. The minimal effort at the time of the initial setting up of the software is nothing compared to its many conveniences.
A comprehensive web-based veterinary practice management software solution will allow you to perform functions like inventory management, tracking your finances, managing payments, handle admissions, track products offered, manage medical records and communicate with clients, analyzing business among many others; all with the click of your mouse. You can use it to manage staff, as well as your services. Users can build a detailed website suited to their business and services as well.
Since it is hosted online, it is easier to connect with clients and patients as well as other clinics. Clients can access certain information and patient records as and when required. If there are different providers sharing patient information, it makes it easy to pull up information in case of time-sensitive procedures and emergencies. Having easy access to necessary information also helps cut down errors and keeps facts regarding matters like insurance in check. Being able to access information through a cell-phone or an iPAD on 3G is a big boon for vets that offer house calls.
Educate yourself about the veterinary software solutions out there and how it can benefit your practice. The business value of an online management solution is priceless in today’s fast-paced and competitive world of veterinary medicine. Choose a comprehensive veterinary management software that is packed with features, tested and built for the future.
Most veterinary students dream of owning and successfully running their own veterinary practice. Veterinary school graduates often jump head-first into their own start-up and find themselves floundering. Take your time to figure out the basics before you rush into establishing a practice of your own.
These are some general tips to give you some food for thought…
Get some experience – Look before leaping straight into starting a business of your own; it would be wise to begin by getting an apprenticeship or job with an established veterinarian or veterinary hospital. The key is to sharpen up your skills and gain practical knowledge so you know exactly where you are starting from. Get the knowledge and inside information that will help you build a practice of your own. This also a great way to figure out the requirements of the day-to-day running of a clinic.
Plan, plan and plan – A well-researched and comprehensive business plan is vital to setting up a practice. Educate yourself on getting the capital you need, the technology and machinery you need and the staff you require. Be clear as to which direction you are headed and all possible financial constraints that may come up; you do not want to find out after taking on the debt. Cover all bases; a successful veterinary practice is not only about doing the best job but also about managing an efficient business. Do the research for possible locations; the potential client demographic as well as possible competition is also something to take into consideration. Gather all the information regarding permits, licenses and other paperwork and legalities pertaining to that particular area. Draw up a workable framework for your marketing and advertising needs.
Use efficient tools - Using veterinary software can be a huge boon for those learning to manage a start-up. Veterinary software can help simplify your everyday processes and help with inventory management, making and tracking appointments, client registrations, managing finances and staff, etc. You and your clients can access records and details online making the whole operation a lot more efficient and time-friendly. It will eliminate the clutter that comes with paperwork and allow you to have information at hand, whenever you need it – even on your Mobile.
Find your niche – You need to decide on what services you plan to offer before you embark on the journey. Some veterinarians nowadays offer not only high and low-end medical services but also ancillary services like grooming and selling pet care products. Certain services will require certain instruments and medical equipment as well as the staff with the right skills.
Give yourself time – Be realistic; a business does not flourish from the get go. It takes time to transition into a financially viable practice. Getting and sustaining a steady client base takes time and effort and can be challenging; so be prepared to weather a few storms before it’s smooth sailing. Volunteering at local animal care and protection leagues can be a good way to tap into potential business as well as garnering some goodwill. So what are you waiting for, start your vertinary practice today!
As you may know veterinary science is not a new development, there is proof that veterinary medicine existed centuries ago and was very much prevalent in ancient times. However, veterinary practice has evolved over the decades into a thriving and ever-changing industry. Modern veterinarian practices have changed from the traditional family vets of decades ago; it is now so much more than just the medical treatment of animals.
Modern medicine, advanced medical technologies and newer therapeutic techniques, have all led to a vast and diverse group of veterinary practitioners in recent years. Multiple, intensive veterinary specializations like surgery, neurology, oncology among others, has created an extremely skilled pool of veterinarians and spawned numbers of veterinary practices, clinics, facilitators and hospitals. Veterinary knowledge nowadays is becoming extremely vital for forays into biological research as well as wildlife conservation objectives.
Changing ownership practices over the decades are reflected in the varied kinds of practices today like partnerships, joint venture ownerships, private practice, corporate practice etc. Specialized emergency practice, collaborations, the small and large animal sectors have culminated into new genres of veterinary practices. Many practices in rural and urban areas do extend their services to after hour treatments and have greatly helped in employment of new and emerging vets as well as strengthening their client bases.
Earlier, vets used to operate in individual units with each vet treating his or her set of pet patients or farm animal patients; now since the pet industry has grown tremendously and services are not limited to medical treatment of pets, the network is ever-widening. Services include behavioral treatment, therapy, nutrition plans, etc. Pet care has become an industry in itself. Facilities like X-ray rooms, pet therapy rooms, on-site kennels etc. have upped the game in modern veterinary practice. This has led to growing numbers of required staff like surgeons, supportive staff, nurses, managers etc. Relevant training for each group is vital for the entire system to function at its optimum and efficient management is a must.
Even veterinary management as a whole is heading on efficient and technologically advanced paths, as the years go by. Traditional practices like entering client data in log books and hand-written documents are slowly but surely giving way to modern technologies like management software and online documentation. The foundation to a successful veterinary practice today includes not only professional expertise, compassion and medical knowledge, but also powerful management skills and use of efficient veterinary practice software.
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