So much of medicine has come down to the Whitney type operations! Human or animal. It is all about making sure they know who to bill.
My last vet, and all the other vets except one in Augusta, will NOT take care of any animal after hours and weekends! I didn't know this when I moved here. If you have an emergency, you call an emergency clinic OVER AN HOUR AWAY! And most of these vets have practices with more than one vet so they COULD cover each other, but they don't want to give up their time for your little darling. When I was shopping for a new vet this year, the first two things I saw prominently displayed in my new vet's office was a BIG sign that said they DO cover all emergencies, no matter when they are needed! And also that they are accredited by the Asociation of Animal Hosptials (not sure that's the right name). It has two vets and we have seen each of them and like them both. It is also a big practice, with lots of employees, but VERY well run, VERY friendly, VERY clean everywhere. And so far, my two have had good experiences there. Higgins LOVES to go there so he can see the other dogs and CATS and always runs right up to the vets and people there, so I know he must get treated kindly.
There is a huge, rather new vet clinic where we stay in Florida, and we were looking for it one day and stopped to ask a lady where it was. She was such a dear! Told us NOT to go there because they wouldn't take her dog that had been hit by a car after hours and that they charged an arm and a leg for anything they did. She said "They are nothing but a meat shop." And then she told us about Doc Magill right close to our RV Park. Been in practice for 30 years and he and his wife and daughter run the practice. I have never met a more kind and caring vet! And his charges are VERY reasonable. So, we are giving Doc Magill our regular checkup business for boosters, etc., and our vet up here for brief checkups and other care. That way we are covered in both places.
It's the same with people medicine. The doctor's office we go to has some real lulus in it that I could cheerfully choke. But I like my doctor, so I put up with it. However, I have been known to lose my temper now and then, and because they made a big booboo with a recent illness Don had, and nearly died from because of them, they now treat me with great attention. It is VERY sad that you only get the attention you deserve when you say the word "attorney." The only person I have ever sued in my life was a lawyer (and I won), and I hate people who sue at the drop of a hat. But I don't hesitate to threaten if it is seriously needed, as it was in Don's case.
Okay, okay, I'm climbing down of MY soapbox now. Geeee that felt good..... |