VETbuddy

Regarding advance payments, we simply use the "Deposit" function. In fact we always require deposit for any major surgery or treatment above a fixed threshold. For hospitalized patients we often require multiple deposits if new diagnostics or treatments are agreed upon with the owner, and we simply book these deposits. We only issue one invoice at the time of discharge, and the deposits are automatically credited against the invoice. Any balance amount is received or refunded at the time of discharge. I hope this is helpful.

It is notoriously difficult to get a high rate of usage of the online client portal. Clients tend to forget their password, or just pick up the phone instead of logging in. We try to make the client portal easy and intuitive to use, and we now allow clients to access directly without login if they receive an email from us. As we evolve towards mobile access we expect higher rates of online client engagement.

I share your view that VETbuddy is perfect for a clinic group that is expanding to multiple locations. Getting up and running becomes easier for each new clinic you add because most of the items, settings and templates are identical, yet you still have the flexibility to set different prices if that is required. It becomes very easy to share or transfer patients, stock items and doctors between clinics using automated processes.

Regarding work flow we found it very helpful to prepare a few core protocols that define our core business rules, and how they are applied to the VETbuddy workflow. Concerning Billing, we defined how to use the Plan Builder, the definition of Carting a product or service, and rules around consolidated Invoicing at the time of discharge. The workflow concerning each visit and the creation of medical records to match each unique complaint is also important to define. Workflow concerning stock control is another very important area, which require quite a lot of effort to manage on a daily basis, but once it running the benefits are significant in terms of minimizing out of stock incidents.

Being cloud-based is truly a godsend. Being able to access VETbuddy from any PC or mobile device at any time is very convenient for pet owners, doctors and hospital managers. Being able to view live information in real time is invaluable. Once in a while we lose our internet connection, but it was easy for our clinic staff to continue the clinical work using pen and paper, and then updating the records once we are back online. Just remember to keep an up to date pricing file which you can download or print out from VETbuddy from time to time, so you know what to charge the clients if your are off line.