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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Why Does It Cost So Much To Go To The Vet, Part 4

Why does it cost so much go to the vet?

Well, we just have to deal with the idea that going to the veterinarian costs money.  Some say it costs a lot; some say it could cost a lot more.  We still have the option to shop around though.

However, buyer beware.  Shopping around can be kind of sketchy.

When comparing estimates, be sure to compare apples to apples.  Some veterinary hospitals itemize every little tiny thing.  Other hospitals might list spay surgery on their invoice as one item.  So that might include the surgery itself, but it could include the surgery, an intravenous catheter, a bag of fluids, an IV line to administer the bag of fluids, the suture material, the fee for disposing of biohazardous waste (like sharps containers), various syringes and needles, analgesics (pain relievers), the endotracheal tube, etc.  Other hospitals might list the spay surgery and suture material and nothing else.

If the estimate is not specific, ask what the item listed includes.  That way you can be sure of what you are actually paying for and be able to compare prices at various hospitals more accurately.

To be discussed later: Does my pet really need all this stuff listed on the estimate?

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