Veterinarians care only about the money, right? Sure they have to, but you'd be surprised at how they really feel. Money matters have a lot to do with feelings and ego. In general, vets don't want to talk about money, though if you want to work effectively with your vet, having the dollar discussion may be inevitable.
The unfortunate truth is that veterinary medicine is expensive. But it is not overpriced. “Expensive” means numerous dollars are required, while “overpriced” is a label that requires placing a value judgement on something that is essentially a value-free, market-determined issue.
If you think that your veterinarian is overpriced, don't punish him or your pet with resentment. Take the market solution and look for a new vet instead.
Because most people, veterinarians included, don't want to talk about money, increasingly doctors discuss only medical matters and let practice managers or others in the office deal with the issue of money and costs. Most veterinarians feel the same way about the issue: They feel bad when clients cannot afford what needs to be done to fix the pet in question.
And although most vets prefer not to talk about money, I am not sure that a blanket policy of avoiding money talk is feasible, or wise, for the doctors. Unless there is no shortage of money, it is impossible to make medical decisions without putting a price tag on them.
What is important, especially now that compensation schemes – particularly in large and corporate practices – are often “production-based,” is that veterinarians disclose their financial interest in the case.
It has been well established that doctors are often unable to completely divorce their financial interests from their medical recommendations. This is not because doctors are evil, this is because they are human. Skepticism is always a healthy thing, especially when it is about oneself. Veterinarians should make a practice of questioning their motivations, and welcome the help they can get from their clients.
As the person paying the bill, it's your responsibility to ask for an estimate. Be aware, however, that an estimate is a dual-edged sword. On the one hand, it tells you what to expect. On the other hand, dogs – like any other biological system – have a way of defying the odds on occasion.
Your veterinarian's goal is not to have the treatment come in at exactly the price on the estimate (though that would be pleasant); rather to use the precise treatment necessary to ensure that your dog is fixed up and is out of harm's way with whatever disease, ailment, or problem that is happening at the time.
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