Why do Vets not have a billing system for people with not alot of money on hand?

Question

If there are any, aside from calling every single one in the phone book. How can I find them?

Answer 1

call your local spca and ask for a vet that will help you out with a lower price or payment plan.

Answer 2

We've been seeing the same veterinarian for about two years now. Since we're there often between the dog and two cats, we have become pretty friendly. Vet bills can really add up (like $50 a vaccination and he got three that day) so the office we go to can set you up with a payment plan. When our two cats got spayed, it came out to $350. We just pay $50 a month and it's much easier. Ask your vet or the people in the office -- they're usually willing to help you out.

Also, I wouldn't suggest just picking out a vet from a phone book. A lot of those guys suck. Try asking someone you know if their vet is any good and go from there. Good luck :)

Answer 3

My Equine vet where I used to live did have a billing system. We are honest people who pay our bills. When having a horrible year trying to save a horse just to have to put him down, adding up all the cost rakes in to the thousands easily to the point we could afford a good car.......sadly. No one has that cash on hand each time to do a vet visit. Reason why humans have insurrance to cover our own medical bills. Who has that kind of cash in the low to middle class?

The reason why they stop doing it was because they went in dept by people not paying. It is a hassle and it starts to make them not "trust". Even though they known us for years and know we pay our dues, but "what is fair is fair". Can't do "exceptions" by their newly contract.

We moved and this vet as well don't do billing for same reason. Since such a small community and she is understanding that I can't just gather $600 in one day on an emergancy situation that happened that morning. She will do payments IF she feels she can trust. She would want a deposite and down payment, with written statement of paying it. She said she did one time not release the horse until it was paid for since the owners kept making "excuses" not to pay.

Our cat/small animal vet does billing. A lot of small animals do I noticed around here.

I would talk to a few people around you and ask for recommendations before you do "inne mini miny mo" in the phone book.

If you don't know that many people, go to a pet store in local area. They should have some info too.

Answer 4

Most vets used to do this, but after years and thousands of dollars in unpaid vet bills most are not willing to do this anymore. Try your local humane organizations for help with low cost vet care. I learned to put a little into a savings account every month for this reason. You never know when you may need it. There is also a credit card called Care Credit that is just for vet use, although the interest is crazy.

Answer 5

Most vets here in Indianapolis do have something like that. It is called Care Credit. It is a credit card specifically for vet bills. It is also accepted at some eye doctors and dentists. You can get it even if your credit is not great, and if the bill is over $1000 I believe the interest rate is 10% and can be paid back over 5 years. If the vet accepts it you can apply right there at their office.

Answer 6

Call the local humane society. They should have a list of vets that work on a sliding scale, or at least offer certain types of treatments at a discounted rate. Otherwise, call some of the local rescues (in the yellow pages or the humane society may know of some). They will sometimes have ideas or connections to vets that can help you. Good luck.

Answer 7

Definitely let "yours fingers do the walking". If you need to find a vet who will consider taking payments that is the only way to go.

Remember your vet has had four years of college, four more of veterinary school and maybe an internship to boot. It is expensive for them to maintain an office with receptionist to receive and make appointments, veterinary technicians to help them treat your cat, an inventory of drugs, etc.

So they are running a business and even the most caring and kind-hearted have families, mortgages and the same expenses that you have.

Answer 8

Its called credit. Some vets do have it, my vet lets me pay the bill when I dont have enough to cover the bill.

Answer 9

Because they are a business. It's a harsh reality. Because they care for animals they should be doing it on a volunteer basis?? People who take on pets should be able to provide for them as they would for children. Pet insurance is an option, too. I think most vets would be willing to help you out in some respect, but truthfully, that's why credit cards and savings exists...emergencies!

Answer 10

If you establish a relationship with a certain vet, they will generally grant you some type of credit.

If they absolutely won't help you ask if you can do something like leaving post-dated checks as payments. They may be more willing to accept something like that.

Answer 11

If you have one regular Vet, normally they will work a monthly billing out for you, but you have to be prompt in payment. Otherwise, it may be difficult for you to get in when you really have to take a pet.