With easy accessibility to the Internet and mail order companies these days, you may have thought about purchasing your pet’s medicines from a supplier other than your veterinarian. There are several important risk factors you should consider before you decide to buy from another source. (PVMA. "Why Should I Buy My Pet's Medication From My Veterinarian?.")
Learn about the risks associated with Internet companies that do not partner with your veterinarian. VetCentric firmly supports the Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship in all of our business practices, allowing them to stay at the center of their patients’ care while improving service, encouraging compliance and decreasing clinic operating costs.
Learn more about the risk factors you should consider.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Denise Tumblin: What to cut in a tough economy
Denise Tumblin, CPA, recommends reevaluating these areas of your veterinary practice.
May 13, 2009
By: Denise Tumblin, CPA
VETERINARY ECONOMICS
May 13, 2009
By: Denise Tumblin, CPA
VETERINARY ECONOMICS
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
CAPC: Disease risks far outweigh adverse flea product concerns
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE reported the following on May 20, 2009...
Bel Air, Md. -- The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) issued a statement citing low safety risks for topical spot-on flea and tick products. The action follows a recent advisory from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautioning consumers about an increase in adverse events (up to 40,000).
Mike Paul, DVM, executive director of CAPC, says in a written statement, "While these (adverse-reaction) figures are concerning, they must be interpreted in light of information that is absent from the report. An adverse event that is reported may be anything from disappointing results, unacceptable odors or temporary changes to the hair coat, to more significant events such as gastrointestinal upsets, respiratory signs like coughing or sneezing or skin irritations at the point of application. On rare occasions, serious and life-threatening symptoms and even death may occur."
Paul chides the report for not clarifying the nature or frequency of adverse events.
"The range of products used is amazingly broad," Paul adds. "Not only are these products specifically labeled for indication by species, they are also clearly labeled for frequency of application and dosage. There is no reference in the EPA report to adherence to these labeled restrictions."
The source of these products and handling directions is another area of concern, CAPC says.
Some are available over-the-counter, and some are illegally imported or not appropriately manufactured, Paul says. "Products dispensed by veterinarians with a client/patient relationship are the most completely supervised with regard to species application, dose and frequency of application, but even these products can be mishandled," he adds.
"It is important to consider this number in light of the total doses administered from veterinary sources, Internet sources and retail sources, a figure that is simply not available," Paul explains.
"We do have information on veterinary-dispensed products, and even in light of that number the percentage of adverse events is extremely low, and the percentage of major adverse events is miniscule. The incidence of adverse events should always be of concern, but must be interpreted in light of the above realities."
"The improved control of fleas and ticks has done much to improve the comfort level and quality of life of dogs and cats. Further, particularly in view of increased geographic ranges of external parasites and the diseases they carry, flea and tick control have significant implications in protecting human health. Ectoparasites and their control is a genuine zoonotic concern with very real public health implications."
As first reported in DVM Newsmagazine, flea and tick product makers were slated to meet with EPA officials in mid-May.
Bel Air, Md. -- The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) issued a statement citing low safety risks for topical spot-on flea and tick products. The action follows a recent advisory from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautioning consumers about an increase in adverse events (up to 40,000).
Mike Paul, DVM, executive director of CAPC, says in a written statement, "While these (adverse-reaction) figures are concerning, they must be interpreted in light of information that is absent from the report. An adverse event that is reported may be anything from disappointing results, unacceptable odors or temporary changes to the hair coat, to more significant events such as gastrointestinal upsets, respiratory signs like coughing or sneezing or skin irritations at the point of application. On rare occasions, serious and life-threatening symptoms and even death may occur."
Paul chides the report for not clarifying the nature or frequency of adverse events.
"The range of products used is amazingly broad," Paul adds. "Not only are these products specifically labeled for indication by species, they are also clearly labeled for frequency of application and dosage. There is no reference in the EPA report to adherence to these labeled restrictions."
The source of these products and handling directions is another area of concern, CAPC says.
Some are available over-the-counter, and some are illegally imported or not appropriately manufactured, Paul says. "Products dispensed by veterinarians with a client/patient relationship are the most completely supervised with regard to species application, dose and frequency of application, but even these products can be mishandled," he adds.
"It is important to consider this number in light of the total doses administered from veterinary sources, Internet sources and retail sources, a figure that is simply not available," Paul explains.
"We do have information on veterinary-dispensed products, and even in light of that number the percentage of adverse events is extremely low, and the percentage of major adverse events is miniscule. The incidence of adverse events should always be of concern, but must be interpreted in light of the above realities."
"The improved control of fleas and ticks has done much to improve the comfort level and quality of life of dogs and cats. Further, particularly in view of increased geographic ranges of external parasites and the diseases they carry, flea and tick control have significant implications in protecting human health. Ectoparasites and their control is a genuine zoonotic concern with very real public health implications."
As first reported in DVM Newsmagazine, flea and tick product makers were slated to meet with EPA officials in mid-May.
Ask The Vet: On Supplement Safety
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (SF Chronicle)
"Ask The Vet: On Supplement Safety"
Elizabeth DeLomba
Q: I buy my dog's glucosamine chewables from a well-known online pet store. But a friend who works in a veterinarian's office warned me that some of these online businesses purchase their supplies from other countries that might not always adhere to our standards. This possibility frightens me, given the China pet food crisis a few years ago. Could she be right and would it be safer to purchase my dog's meds directly from his veterinarian?
A: This is an excellent question. First, if an online retailer doesn't get its products directly from the manufacturers, you do not know how it was handled or where it originated. For this reason, you should be sure that you are purchasing from your veterinarian or a veterinarian-recommended pharmacy that sources products directly from the manufacturer. If they don't have a direct relationship with the manufacturer, the product might have been obtained from out of the country.
Examine the label closely to make sure that it states the country of origin and that it is labeled to be sold in the United States. Your veterinarian is the best judge of what products will work best for your pet and which brands are most reliable.
Additionally, you are right to be concerned about the source of your dog's supplement. Because supplements are not controlled by the FDA, there can be significant variability in formulation because there is no federally mandated regulation and testing.
There is a seal that you can look for to help ensure that the product you are selecting is of the highest quality. The NASC seal means the product has been evaluated by the National Animal Supplement Council and found to contain the active ingredients described on the label in the quantity specified.
Because supplements are not strictly regulated, having an independent accreditation is an easy way to make sure you are giving your pet a reliable supplement. And again, your veterinarian is well versed in what to look for and how to choose which is the best product for your pet.
Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM, is executive director of veterinary services for VetCentric Pharmacy, VetCentric.com.
Copyright 2009 SF Chronicle
"Ask The Vet: On Supplement Safety"
Elizabeth DeLomba
Q: I buy my dog's glucosamine chewables from a well-known online pet store. But a friend who works in a veterinarian's office warned me that some of these online businesses purchase their supplies from other countries that might not always adhere to our standards. This possibility frightens me, given the China pet food crisis a few years ago. Could she be right and would it be safer to purchase my dog's meds directly from his veterinarian?
A: This is an excellent question. First, if an online retailer doesn't get its products directly from the manufacturers, you do not know how it was handled or where it originated. For this reason, you should be sure that you are purchasing from your veterinarian or a veterinarian-recommended pharmacy that sources products directly from the manufacturer. If they don't have a direct relationship with the manufacturer, the product might have been obtained from out of the country.
Examine the label closely to make sure that it states the country of origin and that it is labeled to be sold in the United States. Your veterinarian is the best judge of what products will work best for your pet and which brands are most reliable.
Additionally, you are right to be concerned about the source of your dog's supplement. Because supplements are not controlled by the FDA, there can be significant variability in formulation because there is no federally mandated regulation and testing.
There is a seal that you can look for to help ensure that the product you are selecting is of the highest quality. The NASC seal means the product has been evaluated by the National Animal Supplement Council and found to contain the active ingredients described on the label in the quantity specified.
Because supplements are not strictly regulated, having an independent accreditation is an easy way to make sure you are giving your pet a reliable supplement. And again, your veterinarian is well versed in what to look for and how to choose which is the best product for your pet.
Elizabeth DeLomba, DVM, is executive director of veterinary services for VetCentric Pharmacy, VetCentric.com.
Copyright 2009 SF Chronicle
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
New study compares changes in compliance
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE reported the following on March 27, 2009...
Lakewood, Colo. -- Since 2002, veterinarians have realized that they play as much a role in compliance as pet owners, and compliance levels have increased as a result, according to a new study.
The American Animal Health Association (AAHA) partnered with Pfizer Animal Health to conduct a national research project on the subject to see where the profession is in regard to compliance, several years after an initial study that changed the way veterinary medicine viewed compliance.
In 2002, AAHA worked with Hill's Pet Nutrition to conduct the first compliance study, "The Path to High Quality Care." The study revealed that veterinarians thought compliance levels were much higher than they actually were, and the entire profession turned its focus to increasing compliance.
The 2002 study indicated that 60 percent of veterinary professionals thought compliance was solely the client's responsibility. By 2008, the same number, 60 percent, said that compliance is the responsibility of the entire practice team.
The new follow-up study also identifies barriers to medication adherence, interventions to increase adherence and communication practices that can help increase compliance.
Pet owners are looking for simple, detailed instructions, easy administration techniques, according to the study, and they are willing to pay a premium if things are made easier for them.
Since 2002, the study found that following these pointers helped increase compliance levels from 64 percent to 73 percent over six years. Clear instructions from a veterinarian, staff follow-up and pharmaceutical refill reminders all help the client worry less about their role in compliance, according to the study, which examines specific communication and follow-up techniques.
The new study, which will be released soon by AAHA, is titled "Six Steps to Higher Quality Patient Care."
How can VetCentric help? Learn more >>
Lakewood, Colo. -- Since 2002, veterinarians have realized that they play as much a role in compliance as pet owners, and compliance levels have increased as a result, according to a new study.
The American Animal Health Association (AAHA) partnered with Pfizer Animal Health to conduct a national research project on the subject to see where the profession is in regard to compliance, several years after an initial study that changed the way veterinary medicine viewed compliance.
In 2002, AAHA worked with Hill's Pet Nutrition to conduct the first compliance study, "The Path to High Quality Care." The study revealed that veterinarians thought compliance levels were much higher than they actually were, and the entire profession turned its focus to increasing compliance.
The 2002 study indicated that 60 percent of veterinary professionals thought compliance was solely the client's responsibility. By 2008, the same number, 60 percent, said that compliance is the responsibility of the entire practice team.
The new follow-up study also identifies barriers to medication adherence, interventions to increase adherence and communication practices that can help increase compliance.
Pet owners are looking for simple, detailed instructions, easy administration techniques, according to the study, and they are willing to pay a premium if things are made easier for them.
Since 2002, the study found that following these pointers helped increase compliance levels from 64 percent to 73 percent over six years. Clear instructions from a veterinarian, staff follow-up and pharmaceutical refill reminders all help the client worry less about their role in compliance, according to the study, which examines specific communication and follow-up techniques.
The new study, which will be released soon by AAHA, is titled "Six Steps to Higher Quality Patient Care."
How can VetCentric help? Learn more >>
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Data Results in New Compounded Medication Program
GLEN BURNIE, Md., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- VetCentric, Inc., the nation's largest practice-to-home delivery veterinary pharmacy today announced the results of its recent online survey of more than 1,200 pet owners from across the U.S.
Key findings indicate that pet owners feel very strongly about having convenient services and options that help them improve compliance. It also indicated a very strong preference for ordering medications directly through their veterinary clinics to maintain veterinarian involvement. Specifically:
- 96% of pet owners stated that it was important to be able to order their pet's medication through their veterinarian to ensure that the vet remained involved with the pet's care (51% stated that this is "very important")
- 90% of pet owners stated it was important to have the convenience of home delivery for their pet's medications
- 87% of pet owners stated it was important to have automatic refills of the pet's medications so they didn't have to worry about missing a dose
- 87% of pet owners stated it was important to have a variety of medication forms and flavorings that make it easier for pets to take their medications
To meet the needs pet owners identified in this research and support its partner practices, VetCentric recently launched a new compounded medications program that provides free home delivery while encouraging treatment regime compliance. The program includes free 2nd day shipping for first fills and free standard shipping for all refills when the prescription is set up to automatically refill. Complete information about the program is available through the recently launched compounding microsite at www.vetcentric.com/compounding.
"The results of this survey strongly support VetCentric's core belief that veterinarian involvement is crucial to maintaining healthy pets. It's very exciting to see that pet owners feel strongly about both the convenience of home delivery and keeping their veterinarian involved in their pet's care. This data was instrumental in the development of our new compounded medications program," said Ted Root, President and CEO of VetCentric.
More than 1,200 pet owners completed the survey and all of them are clients of clinics that presently have a VetCentric account. Approximately 50% of respondents have placed at least one order through VetCentric.
About VetCentric
VetCentric, Inc., a privately-held company headquartered in the Baltimore-Washington area, is the only national veterinary-focused pharmacy offering home delivery of FDA and EPA approved pharmaceuticals, compounded medications and diets to pet owners on behalf of veterinary clinics. Its comprehensive suite of services provides clinics with an online store that allows customized product selection and pricing, home delivery and client communications. VetCentric firmly supports the Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship in all its business practices, allowing veterinarians to stay at the center of their patients' care while improving service, encouraging compliance and decreasing costs.
In the past 10 years, VetCentric has partnered with more than 9,000 veterinary clinics to fill in excess of 2 million orders for nearly 500,000 pet owners. Its pharmacy complies with the licensing and inspection requirements of all states in which it does business. For more information, please visit http://www.vetcentric.com/.
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