Mobile Veterinary Practice: Tackling Challenges with the Right Software
Mobile veterinary practice is a unique model with unique perks, including strong client relationships, less stressed patients, and greater flexibility. However, mobile practices can also face challenges, such as difficulty coordinating schedules or collecting payments. Choosing the right practice management software can help mobile veterinary practices boost organization and efficiency by overcoming common hurdles. Here’s a look at some difficulties mobile vets face and how a cloud-based software system can make life easier.
1. Mobile workstations
Mobile veterinary practices typically have limited brick-and-mortar space, so setting up a traditional server-based system can be an issue. Mobile vets are also constantly on the move, so taking their workstations with them is ideal. Portable systems ensure mobile veterinary teams can access client information and patient health histories to inform appointments and update patient records while information is fresh in their minds. Entering information into a system once you return from a visit can lead to errors and inefficient use of time.
2. Workflow logistics
Coordinating schedules, inventory, and administrative tasks can be challenging for mobile practitioners juggling multiple management systems and applications, especially if they have no remote access. Mobile teams often travel over a wide area and must schedule the right patients at the right times to avoid excess driving. Scheduling a mobile team can become a full-time job, which may necessitate hiring additional team members or devoting extra time to this task.
3. Communication gaps
Mobile veterinary practice team members and clients can find communication difficult when they’re constantly on the go. One benefit of mobile practice is forging deep, meaningful client relationships. After all, you’re going to—and sometimes into—clients’ homes. However, communication before and after each visit is critical for such relationship development, and you must strike a balance between communicating adequately and protecting your valuable time. Likewise, constant contact with team members in other locations is necessary to ensure smooth daily operations.
4. Payment hassles
Nobody likes chasing payments, and clients are less likely to pay bills after you leave. Collecting payments on-site helps you avoid spending energy and time on collections procedures and gives you an accurate practice financial picture. Mobile veterinary practices need remote payment solutions that work with various payment methods and preferences to ensure easy access for all clients.
Overcoming challenges with cloud-based software
Cloud-based, modern veterinary software systems can help mobile veterinary teams tackle demanding schedules and stay connected wherever they are. Here’s how cloud software features can help:
- Remote access — You can review records, schedules, administrative reports, statements, and billing information from a phone, tablet, or laptop anywhere you have an internet connection—you no longer need to scrawl handwritten notes and transcribe them later.
- Comprehensive features — Cloud-based software doesn’t rely on servers, so product manufacturers can fix bugs and integrate new features seamlessly. Your favorite applications, including telemedicine, inventory, and client engagement products, can integrate with the software, so it’s available in a single window and stays synced for easy management.
- Built-in communication tools — Digital communications can help keep clients informed and the schedule running smoothly. Cloud-based systems let you email and text clients from your primary interface, so you can let them know when you’re on the way, ask follow-up questions, discuss test results, or present estimates without picking up the phone.
- Integrated payment options — You can send invoices or billing statements instantly and collect payments using a mobile card reader, or allow clients to click a link and pay online from their mobile device. Instant, mobile payment solutions prevent lost revenue and help you keep your books in order.
With the right software, mobile veterinary practices can reduce daily headaches and overcome challenges, including logistical struggles and poor communication. A modern, cloud-based system can streamline operations, helping team members balance work and life responsibilities—and leave work on time.
