Fee structure models in dairy practice

Abstract

Veterinary services, including production medicine consulting, have traditionally been delivered on an hourly fee basis. This method of compensation for both the veterinarian and producer often fails to demonstrate the full value of the service provided. It also does not allow true alignment of the consultant with the livestock enterprise. Implementation of a comprehensive consultation model that relies on data-based decision making, along with a charging mechanism that allows the veterinarian to be compensated based on value, fosters a win-win relationship between both entities.