Estimate of Costs
The Vet will be able to provide an estimate of the prescribed treatment. Please note that this is only an estimate and in some cases more work than originally anticipated may be required. If this is the case we will endeavour to contact the client to obtain permission. If we are unable to contact the client through their chosen method noted on the Consent Form then the Vet will make a judgement on which course of treatment is best for the animal at the time. All costs are the clients’ liability.
Routine Treatment Costs
These are displayed on our website and at Reception.
Payment Terms
Payment for all treatments, operations, drugs, food or healthcare supplements are required at the time of treatment including treatments covered by an insurance policy. All treatments, operations, drugs, food or healthcare supplements include VAT. A detailed invoice can be provided for every transaction; please request this from the staff member processing payment. A consultation fee will be applied to all missed appointments.
If you are a new client we will request a consultation fee to be paid at time of booking your appointment to secure your booking.
Emergency Treatment
In the case of an emergency, we have a Duty of Care to provide emergency 1st aid and pain relief.
You will be asked for payment prior to any ongoing veterinary treatment being administered.
Methods of Payment
We accept credit/debit card payments. We can take card payments over the telephone, for your convenience. We do not accept cash or cheques.
Outstanding Accounts
If payment is not taken at the time of treatment, you will be immediately invoiced for the outstanding sums. If the outstanding account is not paid within 7 days of issue, a final demand notice will be issued. If we have not received the monies following issue of the final demand, the case will be referred to our Debt Collection Agency and all incurred fees are payable by the debtor. We may also refer to Money Claims Online to retrieve the outstanding account. Please be advised that failure to respond will result in a County Court Judgement being entered against you.
Debt Recovery
We reserve the right to recoup all costs incurred by us as a result of action taken to reclaim any money outstanding to us. This includes court costs and the use of a 3rd Party Debt Recovery Agency. For purposes of Data Protection we have a legal obligation to pass your personal information to 3rd Parties to recoup any money outstanding to us.
Insurance
We may be able to offer direct claims for treatment of your pet if the claim is pre-authorised by your insurer. Please speak to our reception staff to see if this is applicable in your case.
Barrmore Vets will not be liable for any unpaid costs which are not covered by the insurer. This is a private matter between the client and the insurance company. It is the clients’ responsibility to pay for the insurance excess and any costs not covered by the insurer. Please also refer to our payment terms.
Ownership of Records
Case records, lab results and similar documents are the property of and retained by Barrmore Vets. Copies with a summary of the clinical history can be passed, on request, to another veterinary surgeon taking over the case. We will not pass your records on to any other organisation without your permission. We ask you to give your consent as we hold personal details which allow us to provide continuing care and at your request this may be passed to other professional organisations.
The care given to your pet may involve making some specific investigations, for example, taking xrays or performing ultrasound scans. Although there may be a charge for performing these investigations and interpreting their results, the ownership of the resulting record (a radiograph, for example) remains with the practice.
Complaints Procedure
At Barrmore Vets we strive to provide the best possible care for both clients and their pets, however, if a complaint arises please raise it at the time of your visit. If you feel the reception staff do not answer your complaint in a satisfactory way, please ask to speak to the Head Nurse or Vet.
If the complaint needs to be taken further please put your complaint, in writing to the Practice Manager at emma@barrmorevets.co.uk within 28 days of the animal leaving the practice, where your complaint will be investigated and responded to in writing.
We will treat our clients and be treated by our clients with respect. Bullying of any type, in any form, will not be tolerated and we will ask you to find an alternative veterinary provider if we are treated inappropriately.
Barrmore Vets professional governing body is the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (www.rcvs.org.uk)