Collecting Accounts

Abstract

I have often heard that clients perceive us only as an expense when we work on sick animals but as an investment when we do production medicine or herd health work. This may be their perception, but the payback on a sick cow successfully treated is just as real and may even be realized faster. A successful operation for a displaced abomasum easily pays for itself within 1 month. Treating a sore foot gives a payback even faster. In emergency situations, such as dystocias and prolapses, we frequently save a cow's life and certainly save the client far more than our fee on a longterm basis.

The bottom line is this: Our clients will not request any procedure unless they believe they will benefit by it. They should know the cost involved, and once they elect to go ahead with a procedure, they should be prepared to pay the bill. We, on the other hand, should not be ashamed to insist on payment on a timely basis.