Unexpectedly high Vet's bill - is there anything I can do?

moneysavingnnewbie

Our cat was unwell recently, so we took her to the vet.  My wife thought that it was likely that as she was suffering, it would likely be best to put her out of her misery.  When she was at the vet, she felt "guilt-tripped" into pursuing treatment options - including a scan to identify the problem.  We were advised that the cat should be kept with the vet overnight and that the likely cost for the treatment suggested would be £460 and we paid a down payment of £230.

If I'm being charitable, I want to believe that vets want to do the best for the animals they are treating and that costs can spiral.  I also appreciate that they are businesses that need to cover their costs.  However, when we collected the cat, we were presented with an additional bill in excess of £1300 (which did not include the scan promised).  Further treatments (and a further £130) were unsuccessful with the result that our cat was put down last Friday.  This was the outcome we had sadly anticipated several weeks earlier.  This is obviously very upsetting, but we can't help feeling that our cat suffered unnecessarily for the last few weeks of her life (and that we are left with a bill for over £1600).

This feels very unfair and the vet did not really act in the best interests of our pet.  It feels like there is a conflict of interest?  Are we being unreasonable?  Is there anything we can do regarding what seems to be excessive unexpected costs?  Thanks.

elsien

I think I would be going back to them to ask about the discrepancy between the estimate that you were given and the final bill. Have you had a properly itemised bill? And have they explained why the scan wasn’t done when you thought that formed part of the cost? 

I can’t comment on the “guilt trip” bit because my vet has always been very clear about the options and the costs and the pros and cons of each, to the point of telling me when carrying on was not in my dog’sbest interest. 

So it may be that pressure was applied or it may be that your wife was upset and wasn’t fully taking in the information that she was given? 

moneysavingnnewbie

Thanks for your comments.  I think you're right, we should seek further clarification and explanation.  We don't always think rationally in the emotion of the moment and we want to trust the professionals we are dealing with - that they are better qualified to judge treatment options etc.

It's possible that my wife was upset (she was - her cat was poorly) but I think she does not feel that all the options/costs were discussed as you indicated with your vet.  I don't know if this is a significant factor but the original vet who advised additional treatments seemed young and relatively inexperienced, whereas we dealt with a more experienced vet later in the process who was more sympathetic and agreed that there was nothing more we could do.  We don't know for sure, but it's possible that this vet would have come to this conclusion at the initial consultation?

cardriver98

vets high bills are being investigated at present.    Most seem to be a ripoff .   

elsien

moneysavingnnewbie said:

Thanks for your comments.  I think you're right, we should seek further clarification and explanation.  We don't always think rationally in the emotion of the moment and we want to trust the professionals we are dealing with - that they are better qualified to judge treatment options etc.

It's possible that my wife was upset (she was - her cat was poorly) but I think she does not feel that all the options/costs were discussed as you indicated with your vet.  I don't know if this is a significant factor but the original vet who advised additional treatments seemed young and relatively inexperienced, whereas we dealt with a more experienced vet later in the process who was more sympathetic and agreed that there was nothing more we could do.  We don't know for sure, but it's possible that this vet would have come to this conclusion at the initial consultation?

I do think that could potentially be relevant. Younger, lots of new techniques from vet school, so eager to try things rather than fully looking at the bigger picture. So (being charitable) perhaps unintentional pushing towards investigations rather then deliberate coercion towards more expensive options. 
I think having the full discussion with the vet practice is the starting point. 

sheramber

Ask for an appointment to discuss the treatment/bill with the vet.  

You should have an itemised bill showing what all the costs were for. 

Ask why you were told a scan would be done and the price given but it was not done and other costs were involved without you being notified in advance.

What was all the treatment  done and why?

Make a note of the information/questions you want to ask before you go as it is easy to overlook something  at the time.

check out RCVS practive guidelines  https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/practice-information-and-fees/