thinking of changing vet, charge for copy of records?

AbbieCadabra

still need to consider our options so i haven't actually contacted our current vet yet to see if/what they charge for records (i'll be very surprised if they don't charge!).

has anyone changed vet & been charged? how much for each pet's records? just trying to get an idea of what might be considered 'reasonable'.

thanks

krlyr

I haven't ever had records sent over (I've used another vet for important-but-not-quite-emergencies when mine have been fully booked, and I use a vaccination clinic type place for boosters - but I just let my vets know the treatment given or take a copy of the vaccination cards) but according to the RCVS (the governing body for vets), vets should give customers written information on their services/charges, which includes their full terms and conditions in regards to access and ownership of records. If you don't want to upset your vet, maybe a friend could act as a potential new customer and ask for the information?

http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/practice-information-and-fees/

Shoshannah

When one of our clients moves to a different practice, we just fax the records straight over to the new practice. The same happens in reverse if we receive a new client from another practice.

Nobody charges anybody anything.

asharon

it doesnt seem right if they charge for medical records. Just go to the new vet and give the old vets details and see what happens.

krlyr

asharon wrote: »

it doesnt seem right if they charge for medical records. Just go to the new vet and give the old vets details and see what happens.

Why not? They're providing a private service and keeping notes, sending them over etc. takes time and energy. I wouldn't begrudge a reasonable fee for it, if businesses don't charge for work they do then they need to recoup the cost elsewhere, so prices for consultations, medication etc. will rise instead

meritaten

I did change vets with second dog - I wasn't at all happy with the original vets and the second vet turned out to be right with her diagnosis. There wasn't a problem changing vets - the new vet just requested the records and they were sent to her. but this was quite some years ago - and there is now a 'protocol' when changing vets I believe.

MrsAtobe

When our last dog had to go to a different vets as an emergency after an accident , my regular vets didn't charge to fax over her medical records. Not sure if they'd charge under different circumstances though. Given the care that this practise have given to both us and our dogs, I'd be reluctant to move from them anyway.

gettingready

Used several vets, had records faxed over several times back and forth, never any charge.

Whatever was on the records I paid for (myself or insurance) so can not see how can this be an extra charge? Unless for the cost of the fax...

AbbieCadabra

thanks for all the replies

we've still got some ongoing treatment at the moment but when it's finished, i'll definitely be switching vets. another one local to us has been recommended to me by quite a few people i've asked, so we'll try there.

i'll update with any info if we do get charged by the old vet.

thanks again.

asharon

krlyr wrote: »

Why not? They're providing a private service and keeping notes, sending them over etc. takes time and energy. I wouldn't begrudge a reasonable fee for it, if businesses don't charge for work they do then they need to recoup the cost elsewhere, so prices for consultations, medication etc. will rise instead

Because if not declared at the start it is not unreasonable for it to be included in the price of the visits etc.

When you move, be it to change vet or move areas, all they need to do is email it.

topsales

Just changed vets myself with 3 animals - and no charge.