Money Hungry Vets
by Veterinary Husband
Michael Lillevold
The reason that [human] emergency doctors will see you at any time is that people have insurance, because hospitals have boards, and donations, and yet they still charge you for the pen that they used to write on your chart that you didn't even get to keep.
People are more likely to put off paying a veterinarian, than a doctor. If doctors were required to pay (out of their own pocket) for every stitch they used, every x-ray they took, and blood-work that was ordered and that if people didn't have insurance and there was a high chance of them running off without paying for the treatment, what do you think would happen? I know that's a run-on sentence, I'm sorry. That's what my wife has to face multiple times a day. Do you realize how many animals get abandoned, because owners can't pay? Most people won't purchase insurance for their pet either, because is just an animal. But yet they complain when they get sick, and they have to treat them.
My wife is heartbroken every time that she puts an animal down. But, there is no way that she can afford to pay for the treatment of other people's animals. But yet people expect that she should... is that fair?
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From Veterinary Husband
As the husband of a veterinarian, I have to say that I hear an awful lot of people complain about how expensive it is to take their animal to the vet's office. But not one person is willing to offer up any kind of solution. I'm here to tell you that we do not live any kind of "life of luxury". We were almost $100,000 in debt with (her) school loans, and credit card debt (to allow us such luxuries as car repairs and food). And that was before we even tried to buy a house.
Veterinarians are required to have MORE schooling than general practice doctors, know multiple anatomies. They are required to have all the same (extremely expensive) equipment as doctors, from x-rays to ultrasounds. And they are required to pay the same (expensive) insurance because of lawsuit greedy people. And yet they don't make half of what a family practice doctor takes home. Most veterinarians are in the practice because they love animals, so please tell me where the "money hungry" part comes in. Because I'm ready for a little bit of money to come in.
Comments From Your Guide:
I agree that veterinarians are more "connected" to the actual costs, because they don't, in most cases, simply order tests and procedures and send the patient on down to radiology, ultrasonography, or other laboratories with separate billing departments, as is often the case in human medical settings. It is also true that veterinarians use many of the same medical equipment and supplies, which are expensive, and can add significantly to overhead costs.
Veterinarians love animals - that is why they entered the veterinary profession. When an animal is injured or suffering from disease and no one can afford to pay, some have the perception that the vet should love animals enough to treat them for a reduced cost or for free. I would venture to say that most vets have indeed done this for some cases. I know that I have. But in the end, the costs are real, and eventually, someone has to pay the actual money for supplies and medications...
