Columns

"All You Care About Is the Money!"

Amanda L. Donnelly, DVM, MBA, May 1, 2009

You expected her to be relieved—even grateful—that Bailey’s loose tooth has been successfully extracted and he is ready to head home. The reality, however, is that Mrs. Smith is furious over the $400 invoice for diagnostic testing, anesthesia, fluids, dentistry, hospitalization, antibiotics, and pain medications. Mrs. Smith seemed fine with recommendations for Bailey’s treatment, but today she says she will never return to your hospital again. “All you care about is the money.”

Delivering Bad News: A Crucial Conversation

Erin Allen, MSW, & Jane R. Shaw, DVM, PhD, January 4, 2010

You take a deep sigh as you look at Max’s hip radiographs. You need to tell Claire that her beloved 6-year-old Lab and hiking partner has severe hip dysplasia. Over the years, you’ve heard about their outdoor adventures and more recently, their long-anticipated trip to Alaska. Now you must tell Claire that Max cannot handle such long and demanding hikes, and you know this news will result in significant changes to their lifestyle, activities, and future together.

I Want My Records...Now!

Deborah Stone, MBA, CVPM, July 3, 2010

Mrs. Sullivan has been a frequent visitor to the practice for 20 years, picking up medication or food for one of her pets, or just stopping by to deliver her famous chocolate chip cookies! Today she has brought in her 12-year-old schnauzer, Benson, to have a tumor removed.