How to Offer Veterinary Services as an Equine Relief Veterinarian

This presentation addresses how to establish a reputation for competence and commitment in providing relief veterinary services, while honoring an individual equine practitioner’s practice style and established client base. Author’s address: Cedar Springs Equine Veterinary Services, 15200 NE 81st Way, Unit K104, Redmond, WA 98052; e-mail: tmarnold49@gmail.com. 

1. Introduction

One of the most common problems, especially facing solo practitioners, is the struggle to provide 24/7 veterinary care. Some solo practitioners do not have the client base, financial means, or desire to hire a full time associate. While waiting for practices to grow enough to warrant a second or third veterinarian, a balance in lifestyle may be overlooked. As the demographics and desired life styles of equine veterinarians continue to evolve, there is a growing need for competent equine relief veterinarians. Incorporating relief services is a responsible and dedicated option to ensure a high standard of continual veterinary care.

Many small animal veterinary practices, especially in larger urban areas, have established pools of relief practitioners. For example, the State of Washington offers a list of relief veterinarians through the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association. Rarely is an equine practitioner listed among the large pool of small animal veterinarians. There is an opportunity to use equine relief veterinarians to enhance both the personal and professional lives of equine practitioners. 

Since beginning an equine relief practice in October 2012, a number of different circumstances have warranted the need for service. Some examples include the following:

1. Veterinarian A: scheduled to play polo, out of state, every other weekend. Relief services provided every other Thursday through Sunday during the polo season.
2. Veterinarian B: requested coverage to attend the AAEP convention with additional time for an extended vacation.
3. Veterinarian C: an equine practitioner opting to additionally offer small animal veterinary services, thus requiring intermittent equine relief services.
4. Veterinarian D: requested relief for an extended vacation of 2 weeks.
5. Veterinarian E: the sole equine practitioner on an island, requesting relief services for pre-purchase exams.
6. Veterinarian F: requiring relief for personal surgery and recovery for 3 weeks.
7. Veterinarian G: opting for relief coverage one week a month during March through September.
8. Veterinarian H: coverage of Mondays and Tuesdays for several weeks for increased personal time.

These are several examples of relief services that have been required and provided. The need for relief veterinarians is endless, including both life celebrations and vacations or during unfortunate times of illness or family emergencies.

2. Implementation

Equine practitioners have often provided years of commitment and dedication to establishing their practices. Although dedicated to providing excellent and available care, personal commitments may require planned or emergency relief coverage. Steps to establishing oneself as an equine relief veterinarian include, but are not limited to:

1. Mail letters to potential veterinarians who may require relief work.
2. Invite colleagues to meet for coffee to discuss relief options.
3. Drop by visits of potential practice locations.
4. Volunteer time for a daily ride-along.
5. Attend horse events and introduce yourself to the veterinarian on call.
6. Provide potential references, if requested.

In establishing a relief practice, I have both incorporated and licensed my business, thereby working as a subcontractor. Another scenario is to act as an employee, if a practice requires ongoing scheduled relief work.

Transportation has been with either using a practice vehicle with the practice’s gas card or using my own vehicle and keeping a mileage log. When using a practice vehicle, all drugs and equipment are provided. When using my own vehicle, a rate, as established by the Internal Revenue Service (currently 56 cents/mile), is billed to the practice and all drugs are reimbursed at cost. Equipment such as radiograph and ultrasound machines are provided by practices for which I am providing relief services.

A variety of forms of compensation have been accepted:

1. A guaranteed daily base pay plus emergency (ER) fees.
2. A guaranteed daily base or 50% of professional service fees/per day, whichever is greater, plus ER fees.
3. A daily service fee (2x base pay) with no emergency call fee.
4. A guaranteed base pay or 3/8 of gross revenue earned, whichever is greater, plus ER fees.

The base pay varies, depending on a variety of factors, including the time to commute, cost of commute (fuel, bridge/ferry fees), and availability of work. If the practice is outside of the relief veteri

narian’s area to allow for an effective response to emergencies, accommodation is either provided or compensation for a motel is billed to the practice. Follow-up calls concerning care, lab work, referrals, etc. are transferred back to the practice owner once they have returned.

3. Discussion

This career opportunity can benefit veterinarians, providing relief services in the following ways:

1. Setting your own schedule to work.
2. Allow part time work.
3. Experience in a variety of practice styles.
4. Experience in running your own business on a smaller scale.
5. Flexibility for time off (e.g., parent of children).

Admittedly, there have been some issues that have arisen requiring open and honest communication between both parties.

Failure to Pay for Compensation at the Time of Service

As a relief veterinarian, I expect payment from clients at the time of service. In doing so, I expect to be paid immediately following my scheduled days worked. Unfortunately I have experienced tardy payment of up to 6 weeks by a veterinary practice. I will work only for practices providing timely compensation.

Different Practice Styles

With open and respectful minds, both parties can gain valuable knowledge on various drug protocols and veterinary procedures. I utilize their practice protocols and techniques as long as I am providing a high standard of care. Most veterinarians are open to conversation and welcome alternatives. At the end of the day, as a veterinary contractor I am legally responsible for the cases in which I provide care.

Record Keeping

In my experience, there is a wide variety in type and completeness of medical records. The documents I write may be requested for legal reasons and, thus, I try to write complete records. Also, the practice requires detailed medical records for appropriate follow-up care.

Concern Over Case Poaching

I continue to establish myself as an equine relief veterinarian who can be trusted. My reputation as an equine relief veterinarian is dependent on establishing confidence in both my integrity and practice style. My intent is not to poach clients but rather be an alternative to veterinarians who desire time off for whatever reason. This continues to be an issue for some veterinarians and they must decide if it is worth the inherent risk to contract a veterinarian for relief services. [...]