The Veterinary Spectrum of Care: Addressing Cost Concerns
The rising cost of veterinary care has been blamed on advanced treatment options, drug and supply chain problems, demand for livable salaries, and increasingly corporatized structures. Whatever the cause, clients may find themselves unable to provide their pet optimal care because of higher veterinary bills and tighter household budgets. The financial strain on owners can then trickle down to veterinary teams when clients become upset over high estimates and bills.
Veterinary professionals are extremely empathetic caregivers who are driven to help, but cost often gets in the way. The veterinary spectrum of care approach can help teams provide affordable care by communicating openly with pet owners and working within a client’s means. Here, we look at what spectrum of care means and its impact on your practice.
Understanding client cost concerns
Economic conditions arising from the pandemic led to rapid global inflation that strained most Americans’ budgets. As everything becomes more expensive and younger generations find homeownership increasingly out of reach, veterinary care costs have risen and made pet care more challenging. For many pet owners, finances are a primary barrier to veterinary care and many pets don’t receive essential care. When pet owners must choose between a rent payment or a vet visit, life’s essentials take precedence.
What is the veterinary spectrum of care?
The veterinary spectrum of care concept acknowledges the diversity of client budgetary needs and values and provides pet owners with flexible options for care within their means. Veterinarians don’t focus only on the “gold standard” and instead offer a spectrum of treatment options tailored to the individual circumstances of each client and patient. They then solicit the pet owner’s feedback regarding specific preferences and budgetary constraints to modify plans considering the diagnostics and treatments that will provide the greatest bang for their buck.
Implementing the veterinary spectrum of care
When implementing spectrum of care conversations in practice, team members should strive for:
- Transparent communication — Transparent discussions about diagnostic and treatment options, including costs, benefits, and expected outcomes, empower clients to make informed decisions in their pet's best interests.
- Customized plans — Individualized care plans with multiple basic to advanced options ensure clients of all financial means can access pet care services. Rigid recommendations prompt clients to accept or decline care entirely, while customized plans allow for more realistic nuance.
- Client education — Educational materials and resources help clients understand their pet's health needs and the importance of timely veterinary care—particularly preventive health services that can mean more extensive treatments are not needed later.
- Financial options — Payment plans, pet insurance, or financial aid programs help alleviate the financial burden on clients and facilitate access to varied levels of pet care. Cloud-based veterinary software can help administer third-party or in-house financial options without adding to the team’s workload.
Addressing veterinary spectrum of care challenges
The spectrum of care approach allows more pets to get care and provides veterinary professionals with a higher sense of purpose, but also presents some challenges. Some veterinary professionals may hesitate to provide flexible care options, as they feel their standard of care is lowered or they may be at risk for professional liability concerns. Clients may also hesitate to accept a less-expensive treatment path if they feel shame about their situation or choices.
Providers should seek continuing education and develop strong communication skills to effectively discuss options with clients, and overcome potential obstacles and increase acceptance of the veterinary spectrum of care. Keeping an open mind to each client’s situation and emphasizing that all pets deserve veterinary care at some level can help teams accept a new model of veterinary practice and help clients feel comfortable choosing what’s best for them.
Offering a care continuum and communicating with transparency allows veterinary professionals to navigate client cost concerns without compromising their commitment to helping pets live healthier lives. The spectrum of care method benefits pet owners and pets and contributes to the overall advancement and integrity of the veterinary profession.
