If you were born in the 90s it’s likely you have never called customer service to book a hotel room, used a physical map to navigate to a destination, or submitted a tax return using the IRS-supplied paper form. Even if you were part of previous generations that “enjoyed” these interactions, the vast majority of us prefer the improved convenience and productivity we get from online booking apps, Siri and TurboTax. What’s more, it’s not just consumers who benefited from these enhancements. There are numerous applications that enable businesses of all types to operate more effectively. For example, an increasing number of veterinary practices are implementing veterinary practice management software to automate front office and clinical processes which are designed to improve productivity and elevate clinical care.

What is Veterinary Practice Management Software?

Veterinary practice management software is a tool that helps to manage the day-to-day operations of a veterinary practice. The systems include numerous functions that range from capturing patient demographics and scheduling appointments to managing clinical functions like medication dispensing, laboratory and diagnostic work.

Why Implement Veterinary Practice Management Software?

There are two primary reasons why veterinary practices implement practice management software. First, it helps attack inefficiencies that add to the stress of the job and address staffing shortage challenges, which sources estimate at between 3,000 to 5,000 veterinarians  nationally. 

Secondly, these systems can impact practice performance. A study of companion animal-exclusive practices was rated on a zero to one scale:

• Highly inefficient were rated  - 0
• Highly efficient were rated - 1 

The results weren’t good:

• 34% scored 0.3 or less
• 59% scored 0.4 or less
• 73% scored of 0.5 or less

Just 1% received a score of 1. But what does a higher efficiency practice translate to? The revenue per employee was nearly three times higher in highly efficient practices vs. the average practice. 

Although implementing practice management software will not automatically increase the efficiency of a practice, they do allow the staff to get up and running and see productivity improvements fairly quickly. By simplifying processes including scheduling, charting, invoicing, communication and more, it introduces a platform for increased productivity, cost savings and improved overall patient care and experience.

Most Popular Types Of Veterinary Practice Management Software

According to G2, a software evaluation site, there are nearly 100 different types of practice management software systems that vary in price, complexity and function, providing tools including:

• Calendar, appointment & scheduling
• Client database
• E-medical records
• Prescription management
• Lab and diagnostic management
• Inventory tracking
• Invoicing & accounting

Here are some of the most widely used products:

IDEXX

IDEXX is a global provider of products and services for the companion-animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, water testing, and dairy markets. They provide information management-based solutions that target the needs of these segments with products that are designed to simplify running a practice. Their most popular systems include:

• Neo: A practice management software that provides features such as patient records, appointment management, billing, and laboratory integration. It integrates with IDEXX diagnostic equipment and services and is considered the easiest of the IDEXX solutions to use. 
• Cornerstone: Provides features like appointment scheduling, medical records, billing, inventory management, and reporting. Cornerstone is a comprehensive system integrating with more apps, services, and products than most other veterinary software systems which helps to automate workflows throughout the practice. 
• ezyVet: Used most extensively by primary care, emergency, specialty and university practices, ezyVet features appointment scheduling, medical records management, inventory management, billing, and reporting. It’s more commonly used by mid-sized practices. 

Each of these IDEXX solutions is cloud-based.

Covetrus

Similar to IDEXX, Covetrus is a health and technology company serving healthcare teams across the companion, equine and large-animal health markets. Their management solutions are designed to increase practice efficiency and profitability by simplifying business practices. They have multiple systems designed that meet the needs of different practice types.

• Pulse™ - is the new name for what was previously called eVet Practice. It’s a cloud-based veterinary software that offers features such as appointment scheduling, medical records, billing, inventory management, client communication, and reporting.
• AVImark® - AVImark is a widely used on-premises practice management software that offers features like appointment scheduling, medical records, invoicing, inventory management, and reporting.
• Impromed® - is designed to be configured to the way a practice operates, from the waiting room to the exam room. The system excels at streamlining processes, enhancing daily administrative practices and improving client communication. It provides enhanced reporting and real-time analytics, mobile applications, inventory optimization, and multiple ways to go paperless.M
• vRXPro™ is the laboratory and pharmacy app that integrates with these Covetrus practice management systems.

In addition, Covetrus offers an online portal of pharmacy products which allows a practice to expand their pharmaceutical offering without the burden of carrying and managing the inventory.  

Patterson

Patterson is a supplier of a diverse range of products and services to veterinary practices including these practice management solutions:

• IntraVet® - is a complete and comprehensive practice management software that is full-featured, customizable and easy to use. IntraVet allows you to move away from paper-based systems, integrate lab results and images and use e-records to streamline patient data. 
• NaVetor - integrates complete electronic medical records, a quick-view dashboard and a customizable appointment calendar. It also contains built-in financial information including payment processing, financial reporting and inventory management. 

DaySmart™ Vet

Previously known as Vetter Software, DaySmart Vet is a cloud-based veterinary practice management software that offers features like appointment scheduling, medical records, billing, inventory management, and reporting. It’s a cost-friendly system with a suite of integrations including patient records, appointment management, billing, laboratory and more.

Hippo Manager

Also a cloud-based system, Hippo Manager is considered one of the more flexible practice management tools. The system includes a scheduling module that improves client compliance and streamlines check-in and a charting component that uses SOAP templates that allow clinicians to document continuing patient encounters in a structured way. The tool also integrates with numerous pharmacy, lab and client communication tools.

Veterinary Practice Management Software Isn’t Entirely Paperless

Although practice management software increases the amount of information you store electronically and reduces the need for printed documents, a variety of processes require companion products. For example, 

Pharmacy Labels

Practice management software systems typically support both laser and thermal printers for printing pharmacy labels. Regardless of the type of printer you use, selecting the DYMO®, Zebra laser or inkjet sizes that correspond with the specific formats helps to save time and reduce costs. Plus, if your pharmacy label contains branding or practice-specific information, custom labels are still a viable option.

Medication Instruction Labels

Studies show that patients forget 40% to 80% of what the doctor told them immediately after a consultation. The fact is, your clients won’t remember all of your instructions. Pharmacy labels applied to medications help guide proper usage for those that don’t remember the information you communicated.  

Laboratory Labels

Whether you have an internal lab or use an outside source, specimens need to be labeled with patient, client, clinic information, and sample type to ensure the test is conducted properly and the results returned match to the correct client. 

Specimen Transportation

If specimens are transported outside your facility, they require biohazard bags with appropriate labeling which alert workers to the Universal Precautions they should follow. Further, when specimens require refrigeration or to stay frozen, warning labels help to ensure the specimens maintain their integrity. 

Appointment Reminders

Although practice management systems include communication tools that remind clients of upcoming appointments, many practices apply a label to the appointment summary which may include follow-up appointment information, vaccination reminders, emergency contact information and other practice details.

United Ad Label Products Complement Practice Management Systems

United Ad Label stocks hundreds of products that help veterinary practices get the most out of veterinary practice management systems. See all of our veterinary labels here.

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