Restrictions appear to be easing on a number of fronts. However, many vets have found that these restrictions have brought about certain improvements in practice management, customer service and clinical care. Many innovations will continue to be adopted post Covid. This is particularly true for telemedicine and remote payments.
There are many clients who have become fearful about going out. There are others who have mobility issues that make a trip to the vets a huge undertaking (particularly if they are required to wait outside while their animal is seen).
Then of course there are the feline clients who have never liked the stress of visiting a surgery anyway!
Some practices are finding that a blended approach with some in-person consults and some remote consultations via video or telephone help the client and relieve pressure on waiting room space. Some vets are able to undertake remote consultations from home - further reducing the burden of sanitation and social distancing.
VetConsult has adapted its online payment and booking platform to enable clients to choose between face to face and remote appointments. There are also options for choosing which telecommunications platform is used for the consultation.
The fact that appointments are paid for in advance means that there are fewer cancellations. This means a lot at the moment when practice resources are so stretched.
The online payment system can also be used for chasing older debt in an easy, clear and manageable way.
So reduced bad debt; happy cats; less travel; loyalty from remote customers; relieved pressure on staff; more confidence with using technology, .......... Who would have thought that a national lockdown could have also brought so many benefits!