The owner of an independent practice has written a passionate letter in response to the CMA’s recently published provisional recommendations for the veterinary sector.
FIVP would like to share the sentiments and thoughts of the independent vet, who we’ve known for years. Their details have been anonymised for the purpose of this press release.
The writer particularly shares concerns about the CMA’s recommendation that independent practices must send their clients, and their data, to online pharmacies – many of which are owned by large veterinary groups.
Those working in independent practices, regardless of whether they are an FIVP member, are urged to share their thoughts in our survey. As a main party of the CMA’s investigation, FIVP will use this data to inform its response in future hearings.
The survey can be accessed here: Impact Assessment of the CMA’s proposed measures for the veterinary sector
We hope all those involved in creating policies and remedies for the veterinary profession will listen to the concerns of those providing veterinary care in our communities.
A letter from an independent practice:
Today, I am sad.
Sad that the CMA are suggesting that in order to improve competition in the veterinary sector, they are considering MANDATING that written prescriptions are provided to pet owners in certain circumstances.
It is widely known that IVC Evidensia own PetDrugsOnline, CVS own Animed Direct and VetPartners own VetUK, yet this aspect of vertical integration was completely omitted from their report on findings.
Thus, my small, independent practice will be forced to send our clients and their data to these large multi-national corporate businesses for their medication supplies, all in the name of increased competition!
My small practice had a net profit of just under 10% in the last financial year.
I will still need to balance the books (or go out of business) and so the lost revenue from sales of medications will have to be met somewhere. Where? Increased fees; It will cost more to see a vet. It will cost more to remove that lump, or neuter your pet, or take a blood test, […] or we will reduce our generous 20 minute consults to a more standard 15 minutes. Or we will have less staff resulting in a less efficient service. Or, we will go out of business.
It’s a good job there is scope to increase prices to meet the anticipated shortfall, when compared against my local IVC practice where we are consistently around 15-20% cheaper (evidence from website price lists and verbal communication when clients move to us)
The CMA are also calling for:
– price lists published on websites
– itemised invoices are provided
– itemised estimates for operations of more than £500
Well, I was one of the first vet practice owners in my town to openly publish prices online.
I have always provided itemised bills.
I have always provided itemised estimates for all in-patient care, irrespective of being above an arbitrary amount or not.
So, I will keep on being the open, honest, transparent and caring vet that I have always been. I’ll just get even more stressed by the ridiculous outcome of the CMA.
Independent veterinary practice, and competition within the sector is AT RISK from the CMA, not improved by it.
