A Case Study: A Tale of Two Dogs
A Case Study: A Tale of Two Dogs
Dr. Xavier of the El Cid Clinic in Florida had two dog patients come in on the same day with similar symptoms. However, the pet owners had very different experiences because one had pet insurance and the other lacked the means to pay for care. This case study shows the importance of talking with clients about money and making sure they’re aware of options like pet insurance before something happens to their pets.
“In one of the post holiday weekends, two patients belonging to different owners were brought to our practice at the same time for the same symptoms: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. After performing the examination and telling the owners the possible rule outs, diagnostics needed and treatment options an estimate for the services was presented to each client.
The first client said:
‘I don’t need an estimate. I have pet insurance.’
The second client was offered an estimate for the proposed treatment plan and unfortunately was financially unable to afford all the recommended diagnostics and treatments for her pet. We then spent time selecting an alternative route of treatment that was affordable for the client.
“Pet insurance provided our first client with financial coverage for the pet’s illness. It also allowed us to provide optimal care for the pet.”
For the other client, it was a financial and emotional nightmare. They called other family members for financial assistance, and even with their help they had to decline some of the diagnostic tests. That left the medical team with unanswered questions about the present illness of the pet and constraints on the treatment.
Sadly, some clients realize how important pet insurance is after being put in a position of having to choose finances over optimal care for their beloved pets. The take home message for these clients was being proactive instead of reactive about their pets’ health can provide coverage in both emergent situations as well as everyday care.”
– Dr. Xavier Garcia, El Cid Animal Clinic