Is Your Vet Tech Answering Your Phones?
In February 2023, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) wrote an article stating veterinary technicians were being paid more, yet are still facing concerns over wages, burnout and debt.
Due to Covid-19, many veterinary clinics opened again without bringing back their receptionists due to financial reasons. Instead, they rely on veterinary technicians to act as both the technician and receptionist, by answering calls from the back room. They went to school to master their skills with your animal patients, not answer your phones.
AVMA quoted from the 2022 National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), who, every six years, conducts a demographic survey among its members. The most recent version was sent between January and March 2022 and collected 1,886 qualified individual responses. The results, announced January 2023 contain data on veterinary technician wages and hours, educational debt, employee benefits, job satisfaction and wellness, credentials and preferred titles, and more.
Burnout can occur for many reasons, one of which is wearing two hats rather than the one you went to school and were hired for. Expecting your veterinary technician to give 100% with your patients, as well as answer phones from the back while attending to said patients, is a quick way to burnout.
Hiring a virtual veterinary receptionist not only assures you of no missed calls, but they are trained and skilled to answer many questions that you may not have time to answer. They can get your patients booked in for those appointments. They can send over the files requested, or obtain requested files, that neither you nor your veterinary technician have time to sit down to do.
A veterinary practice is the place clients come to receive the best care they can for their family member. Let your veterinary technician do their job to assist you with that, and a virtual veterinary receptionist to handle other things that take you away from that care.
Understanding the Cost of Staffing a Veterinary Reception Team
Understanding the Cost of Staffing a Veterinary Reception TeamAs any veterinary practice manager knows, running a successful practice requires much more than just providing medical care for pets. A significant part of delivering quality services comes from...
Revenue Per Veterinarian: How to Understand, Monitor, and Improve
Revenue Per Veterinarian: How to Understand, Monitor, and ImproveAs a veterinary practice manager, you have chosen a fulfilling and impactful career dedicated to the well-being of animals. However, like any business, veterinary clinics must also focus on profitability...
Understanding the Costs of Operating a Veterinary Clinic
Understanding the Costs of Operating a Veterinary ClinicOperating a veterinary clinic can be both a rewarding and challening venture. While it's a noble profession that is dedicated to the well-being of animals, running a clinic comes with various operational costs...
Behind the Front Desk: Veterinary Receptionists
Behind the Front Desk: Veterinary ReceptionistsBeing a veterinary receptionist isn't just about answering phones and booking appointments. Oh no, it's an art form. It's a blend of multitasking, emotional support, and the ability to not laugh when someone insists their...
Finding Support as a Practice Manager
Finding Support as a Practice ManagerAs rewarding as being a veterinary practice manager can be, it is not a role without challenges. As you juggle the responsibilities of overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing staff, and ensuring excellent patient care, it's...
The Top 7 Things Veterinarians Wish Their Clients Knew
The 7 Top Things Vets Wish Their Clients KnewAlthough pet owners wants the best for their furry friends, sometimes there can be a gap in communication between veterinarians and pet parents. This void can make visits less effective and stressful for all parties...
