Historically, Vets have described options to clients with a “gold standard” and then less favourably presented options “if you can’t afford it”. The concern with this method of communication and decision making is that it comes with inherent judgement and separation between the vet and client. Hence, the move towards contextualised care within the profession. This is the idea that ethical, moral, individual, situational, financial and practical implications mean that the appropriate diagnostic or treatment option varies for different individuals. Contextualised care and “bringing owners into the decision-making process around treatment can help ensure the outcome for the animal is the best one for them in their circumstances”.

The current financial climate makes conversations about money even more pertinent. There is an increasing number of clients who are delaying treatment for their pets due to cost concerns. So how do you talk to your vet about money? How can we make that easier?

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There is no doubt that talking about money associated with healthcare in the UK feels unusual. With the National Health Service and relatively few people using private health care, we are unused, in comparison to some countries, to discussing treatment options associated with their cost. However, informed consent is the bedrock of veterinary practice and that informed consent also is about financial consent. 

Learn more about vet prices here.

Financial conversations are normal within veterinary practice

So, I think the first critical point to make is one of reassurance. Vets have to adapt their treatment and diagnostic plans all the time as a result of different financial situations; different practical possibilities; and different ethical opinions. You will not be the only person in that vet’s day that has financial concerns or constraints. And you probably won’t even be the first person in that hour. 

So is asking for estimates

Ask for estimates prior to treatment being performed. This is usually standard practice prior to operations and procedures. But even in a consult when different options are being discussed ask for an estimate of costs for each one. Vets are able to book up the treatment options on the computer in front of you before proceeding to treatment. Then when you make your decision, you are in the most informed position you can be. 

If you are concerned about costs of routine treatments, then speaking to reception to get the costs of vaccinations and routine flea and wormer is sensible. So is discussing if there is any way of reducing the costs in terms of schemes or in terms of the options you take. Of course, it is not always possible to provide an estimate for how much a condition will cost until treatment or diagnostics are complete. This is because each case responds differently along the way. But estimates should be regularly updated and given at each step along the way. 

What to do if you are struggling?

If you are financially struggling and considering delaying treatment due to the cost of treatment then always ring your vet practice and explain the situation. Telephone triage in most practices remains free of charge. Often, there are charitable schemes in place that veterinary practices can signpost you towards for help. Sometimes, after a telephone triage, there are treatments or at home remedies that can be suggested for you to try. And if this is not appropriate, they can give you an estimate of cost for treatment prior to coming in so that it is something you can predict and plan for. 

Discussing finances up front may actually make providing care for your pet easier!

Most of the time, for vets, a clear dialogue about the financial situation is actually helpful in formulating and communicating a plan. The reality of most situations in veterinary medicine is that there are a variety of ways to move forward with diagnosis and treatment. And by placing a financial limit in the situation, it reduces the choice and provides clarity about the way to move forward. 

Building relationships may also make these conversations less awkward

I think that perhaps the most important way to make these conversations easier is to build a relationship with your vets. Building a good relationship between vet and client has been shown to be good for your pet’s care. 

If you are concerned about financial motivations or the options you are being offered, then talk to someone about it 

A lot of mistrust is often communicated by clients about whether vets are paid on commission or if they are incentivised to sell. The reality is that, of course, all vets are affected by whether a practice makes a profit. If the practice fails then vets will lose their jobs. 

However, many vets choose to work in practices where they do not have selling targets; because of concerns over the morality and ethics of such an approach. If you are concerned, you can ask your vet about this. Open an honest dialogue so you understand the situation you are in. Regardless of what the financial set up is, Vets are governed by a strict code of conduct that means their primary concern must be the welfare of your animal. However, it is important you feel comfortable about the financial framework they are operating within. 

Summary 

Conversations about money are, for most people, uncomfortable. The onus, of course, is not on you only to discuss money. There are a plethora of articles in the veterinary literature describing the best ways to discuss financial implications with clients. Just remember talking about money in veterinary practice is normal, you are entitled to an estimate of costs before treatment, don’t forget about telephone triage, if you are struggling then please ask for help, sometimes financial limits actually make decision making simpler, invest in relationship building with your vet and if you are concerned about your vet’s financial motivations then ask!

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