VET FEES TO FALL?
YOU’VE SEEN THE HEADLINES, NOW READ THE TRUTH!
The Competition and Markets Authority has spent ages investigating where there was a lack of competition in the veterinary field leading to pet owners being ripped off.
They have broadly found that there is sufficient competition, but that veterinary services are complicated and expensive.
They have made some recommendations, the key ones being:
Price Transparency: Vets must display standard fees for common services and provide written estimates for treatments over £500.
Prescription Access: Vets must inform owners they can buy medicines elsewhere and offer a written prescription.
Prescription Fee Caps: £21 for the first medicine and £12.50 for additional items.
Ownership Disclosure: Practices must clearly disclose whether they are independent or part of a large corporate group.
Improved Information: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) will enhance its “Find a Vet” site to include price data.
Complaints Handling: Implementation clearer procedures for clients to complain about service or fees.
WILL VET PRICES DECREASE?
Nothing in the recommendations will mean lower prices. Prescritions have been available for a long time and certainly can save you money on some medications. But soon vets will have to offer you one every time they see you…you’re going to get bored of this!
The need to give pricing data to the RCVS may mean more practices move to fixed price packages for their routine procedures. This approach can have winners and losers, but makes it easy for owners to compare prices and vets to give estimates. A word of caution though; make sure you are comparing like with like. The new system shoudl let you see what’s included (like a car insuracne website) but beware of hidden extras. Also remember that some practices may have vets and nurses with advanced levels of training which could impact outcomes. I still believe the best vet is one your trust, no matter the price on the board.
Extra regulation almost never means cheaper prices…
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FOUR SEASONS HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE?
Honestly, we don’t know. We are so independent that it’s just me. I do also work for Companion Care Vets Eastbourne (which is part of The Vet Group, but locally owned and managed).
We have our price list displayed and will let you know how much herbal tonics will cost per day if they are recommended, we don’t write prescriptions or sell conventional medications, we work on referral with your primary care vet being responsible for ensuring you have access to out of hours care. We will make a page outlining a complaints procedure, but we hope you would bring up any concerns during the time we spend in your living room. So far, so good… but we could face a £500 charge to be regulated as a veterinary business, and that would be hard to absorb.
IF THE CMA INVESTIGATION IS OVER, WHY ARE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT CHANGE?
Hot on the heels of the CMA investigation has come a plan to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act. This legislation dates from 1966 and a lot has changed! Vets have been asking for reform for as long as I have been in practice and longer.
Areas likely to be covered include regulation of businesses as well as individual vets, regulation of paraprofessionals (e.g. physiotherapists, behaviourists, and horse dentists), and protection of the title Veterinary Nurse.
WILL VSA REFORM LOWER PRICES?
Again, probably not. Most vets are businesses and in a free market they can set the fees they want. It is unlikely the RCVS would be given the power to say a vet was charging too much, unless they had failed to be honest and open about costs. More regulation will cost more money, and a micro business like mine can’t absorb those costs.
HOW DO I KEEP MY VET BILLS LOW?
We are glad you asked! If you keep your pet health through a good diet and preventative healthcare, then you shouldn’t be a frequent flier at the vets. Make use of monthly plans that spread the cost of vaccines and parasite control, and look out for offers like free nurse dental checks.
If you notice changes in your pet, seek advice sooner rather than later… a stitch in time and all that.
And ask about treatment options. Surgery miight offer the fastest fix, but rest and rehab is sometimes an option, especially with older pets. Just a quick plug, we have a good success rate in conservative management of cruciate disease and disc disease…