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Why your practice payment system needs to go online
Online payments make transactions simple, quick and convenient.
It is second nature to expect an online payment option, so why should veterinary practices be any different? 

Transactions for veterinary services should, in theory, be simple. A client schedules an appointment for their pet at your practice, the consultation takes place and payment is taken afterwards before the client leaves. But add in unforeseen emergencies, euthanasia appointments, surgical complications, insurance claims and deposits for procedures, and you may find that prompt payment ends up taking a back seat.

Traditionally, payment transactions are completed at the front desk but these methods take up valuable time for the reception team. Further still, in-person payments have presented a health and safety risk during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a potential backlog of telephone transactions and BACS transfers and, consequently, an increase in your aged debt.

It is second nature now to expect an online payment option whenever we pay for goods and services, so why should veterinary practices be any different? With AT Veterinary Systems Spectrum platform, your practice can offer clients a quick and easy online payment method; thereby ensuring that accounts are settled quickly and effortlessly, 24 hours a day.

The technology used in Spectrum impressively links the practice management software to the payment portal, allowing completed payments to easily update the client balance.

It couldn’t be easier for both the front-desk team and your clients to make use of Spectrum online payments with two simple options:

1. A payment link can be emailed directly to the client from the client record via the ‘Send Payment Link’ button. Alternatively, the payment link URL can be embedded into an SMS and sent to the client’s mobile phone.

2. The client can make a payment directly through your practice website via a payment tab – effectively turning your website into a method of contactless payment. If the client is at your practice, this method can also serve as a mobile payment device if the page is loaded onto a tablet computer. This is particularly useful if clients are waiting outside the practice where traditional card terminals may not work.

Payment for your veterinary services should be a top priority, and if it’s easy to do it’s far more likely to get done. Whether your client is with you at your practice, waiting outside or even at home, online payments make transactions simple, quick and convenient.

Contact AT Veterinary Systems today to discuss how Spectrum Online can help your practice. Simply call 01359 243 400 or email enquiries@vetsystems.com for a friendly chat.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.