This probably belongs in another forum - one that I don't normally frequent...
I was long (30+ years) with a vet who owned his practice from his dad, until he decided to sell it. That was 3 years ago. The changes have been gradual, but they keep coming. Now, there is no such thing as a 'walk in' just to get blood or urine drawn or even an injection like Solensia. All have to be scheduled with a vet tech. I didn't ask, as I just found out about this, but I am sure now there will be a charge for the vet tech's time. As a walk in, one would pay for the tests and nothing more. Sadly, since the buyout, this vet's ratings have dropped - the corporation still uses his name, so people who don't know what's going on just think his practice is not what it once was.
I understand that there might be some people taking advantage of the 'walk in' situation, but I don't think this is the reason. I think the corporations who have bought out private practice vets have yet again found another way to make an additional 'buck'.
On top of that, my vet's office now 'offers' a package deal that includes CBC/Chemistry Profile/T4/ urinalysis. But, if for example, the urinalysis can't be done, one has 30 days to bring their cat back in to have it done, without an additional charge. No one told me that. So, technically I paid for a urinalysis that wasn't done - and I didn't find out before the 30 days.
How many others have experienced similar 'changes' recently? Another reason for folks to seriously consider pet insurance, I guess.
I was long (30+ years) with a vet who owned his practice from his dad, until he decided to sell it. That was 3 years ago. The changes have been gradual, but they keep coming. Now, there is no such thing as a 'walk in' just to get blood or urine drawn or even an injection like Solensia. All have to be scheduled with a vet tech. I didn't ask, as I just found out about this, but I am sure now there will be a charge for the vet tech's time. As a walk in, one would pay for the tests and nothing more. Sadly, since the buyout, this vet's ratings have dropped - the corporation still uses his name, so people who don't know what's going on just think his practice is not what it once was.
I understand that there might be some people taking advantage of the 'walk in' situation, but I don't think this is the reason. I think the corporations who have bought out private practice vets have yet again found another way to make an additional 'buck'.
On top of that, my vet's office now 'offers' a package deal that includes CBC/Chemistry Profile/T4/ urinalysis. But, if for example, the urinalysis can't be done, one has 30 days to bring their cat back in to have it done, without an additional charge. No one told me that. So, technically I paid for a urinalysis that wasn't done - and I didn't find out before the 30 days.
How many others have experienced similar 'changes' recently? Another reason for folks to seriously consider pet insurance, I guess.