The Perfect Veterinary Consult: Consulting Techniques and Behaviours in Small Animal Practice

Part 1: CONSULTING TECHNIQUES

Introduction

Understanding a Consultation

Look Professional

Know the Reason for the Appointment

Check the Client Details and Previous Patient History

Invite the Client and Pet into the Examination Room

Take the Patient History

Perform a Comprehensive Physical Examination

Discuss Examination Findings – Clearly and Fully Explain

Discuss Next Steps – Investigations and Tests
Make Recommendations

Discuss Treatment Options

Give An Estimate of Costs

Perform Exam Room Procedures & Administer Treatments

Give Educational Material

Make Appointments for Medical Progress Evaluations and Inpatient Procedures

Closing the Consultation

Keep Optimum Consulting Times

A Team Approach for Addressing Everything

Part 2: CONSULTING BEHAVIOURS

Introduction

The Client-Vet Relationship

How to Build Trust and Rapport

First Impressions

Compliment The Pet and Client

Making Clients Feel Like Number One

How to Make a Recommendation

The Money Talk

How to Deal With Multiple Patient Problems

What To Do When You Don’t Know

End On A Positive Note

Don’t Forget To Follow Up