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AAHA Activity Report
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) WSAVA Representative George Grieve E-mail: COTTONILE@aol.com ______________________________ AAHA Activity Report (Posted, October, 2002) AAHA’s Steps to Ownership – A management resource developed in response to questions from members, such as ”Should I buy into the practice I’m currently at or start my own practice?”, “Where can I find information on practice ownership?”, and “What resources does AAHA have that will help me plan for my future?” The publication is a compilation of articles submitted by expert veterinary management consultants who deal with the issues of practice ownership on a daily basis. It will help you understand your options, plan your strategy, assemble your consulting team, and financially prepare for your future. Clotting Profile, Fecal Tests and Examination, Heartworm Tests, In-House Feline Tests, and Urinalysis medical record stickers. Feline Dental Record and Canine Dental Record – medical record forms that are two-hole punched at the top for easy attachment in file folders. A Practical Guide to Performance Appraisals -- to help hospital medical directors, administrators, managers, and supervisors take the stress out of reviews and make them a positive and advantageous experience. Includes three copies of a 20-page employee pamphlet, Employee’s Guide to the Performance Appraisal to help employees prepare for their reviews. Pet Behavior Pamphlets – four new pamphlets: Fearful Fido: Helping Your Dog Overcome the Fear of People; Litter Box Blues: Solving Feline Housesoiling Problems; Piranha Puppies: Keeping Mouthing and Biting Under Control; and Senior Moments: Understanding Behavior Changes in Aging Pets. Compensation and Benefits – 2nd edition with updated and expanded data drawn from a national survey of veterinary practices to help ensure that a practice’s salary and benefits package is competitive. Practice Success Veterinary Business Conference Practice Success, AAHA's Business Veterinary Conference will be held September 18-20th at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Practice Success offers CE for every level of management experience, whether you are a practice owner or experienced practitioner, a mid-career practitioner or practice manager, or a brand new practitioner. Speakers like Tom Catanzaro, DVM, MHA, FACHE and Karen Felsted, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM join other top speakers, a distinguished panel of business consultants, and experienced veterinary leaders and managers to offer panel discussions, networking dinners, and individual, hands-on learning modules. AAHA’s Leading Practice Report: Influencing Product Purchasing AAHA published its second report in a series of Leading Practice Reports created to assist industry companies. Influencing Product Purchasing includes data on what factors influence veterinary practices’ decisions to buy one product over another. One of the major findings addresses client compliances with product recommendations. On average, respondents estimated that clients purchased the products veterinarians and practice staff recommended to them 77 percent of the time. Veterinary Management Development School AAHA continues to host Level One and the Advanced sessions of its Veterinary Management Development School (VMDS). A Level One class is scheduled for October 23-26, and an Advanced class is scheduled for October 2-5. Both will be held at the AAHA headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program There were over 300 students enrolled in the summer semester of the program, and the first graduates of the program will graduate in December. The fall semester program is in progress. AAHA Annual Meeting AAHA’s 70th Annual Meeting will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, March 22-26, 2003. This year’s meeting will focus around all members of the veterinary practice team. The Management Program will present a wide variety of topics that will appeal to all team members, from how to interact with other staff members and resolve personal conflicts, to learning how to propel your practice into the future with the “Evolution of a Practice to $1.5 Million and Beyond” track. The highlight of the Scientific Program will be the Pearls AAHA! Session, featuring rapid-fire practice tips on up-to-the-minute “hot” topics. Another highlight will be the hands-on, practical labs to help you hone your skills in the areas of endosopy, echocardiography, dentistry, otitis, and more. Technicians will have five full days of programming to choose from, including tracks on dentistry, cardiology, emergency and critical care, analgesia, nutrition, exotics, and more. There will also be interactive workshops and team events for technicians. The most exciting new addition to the AAHA Annual Meeting will be in the Exhibit Hall! It’s something totally new for AAHA, and you won’t want to miss it!! This year’s AAHA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, will be a comprehensive learning experience that will allow you to mix and match lectures from over 335 hours of educational sessions. It will be the same high-quality CE, but with more options and opportunities to learn side-by-side with other members of veterinary teams. Veterinary Management Institute (VMI) The Veterinary Management Institute is an exciting step toward professional development. It is best suited for a veterinarian or practice team manager with decision-making responsibility who seeks in-depth education in practice management. This graduate-level curriculum is divided into four modules covering strategic and tactical business principles with an interactive case-study focus. VMI focuses on current management needs, contemporary business issues, and the future challenges of veterinary practice management. The four modules of the next series, and their scheduled program dates are: Human Resource Management September 5-8, 2002 All modules are taught at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Report Posted , March, 2002 The Pet Owner Satisfaction Tracker (POST) -- turnkey survey kit that effectively measures clients’ satisfaction with their visit to the practice. Super Hamster in a Visit to the Animal Hospital – an educational comic book for children that has been redesigned and updated to reflect the roles of all members of the practice team. Pet Health Record -- a two-color record for accredited practices that discusses the value of the wellness exam and what it means to be an AAHA-accredited practice member. Legal Consent Forms for Veterinary Practices (3rd edition), -- includes 49 updated or entirely new forms on everything from basic emergency services to awkward situations, such as a release of patient against doctor's recommendations. Comes with a computer disk so that the forms can be customized. Pet Health Brochures -- completely updated and redesigned, and printed on high quality premium paper. A number of new titles have been added: Canine Parvovirus Neurological Examination for the Busy Practitioner -- provides the right amount of information needed to successfully perform a neurological examination. Includes a brief overview of the chapter topic, how the exam should be performed (including normal and abnormal findings), and provides helpful clinical tips at the end of each section. Essentials of Avian Medicine: A Guide for Practitioners -- a concise and easy-to-use reference that provides the fundamental tools needed to practice quality avian medicine. Provides the knowledge to confidently handle birds, perform a complete physical examination, counsel clients on husbandry, and provide the proper drug regimen. Veterinary Anesthesia Update -- practical steps for anesthesia delivery, drug protocols for routine and difficult anesthesia cases, troubleshooting anesthesia difficulties, making cost-effective choices in equipment and drug selection, effective postoperative pain management, and new drug developments. AAHA Chart of Accounts -- a newly updated is a detailed system for organizing your income, expenses, and balance sheet accounts created specifically for veterinary practices. AAHA Start-Up Kit: Steps to Ownership -- designed to address various issues related to practice ownership, starting a practice or buying into an existing practice. Vision, Planning, Analysis, Design and Financial Management are some of the categories covered in the kit. Key Indicators of Your Practice's Financial Health – a service for Accredited Practice members where the Practice Consultant reviews information provided by the member and compares the practice's financial and productivity data to industry benchmarks. Completely voluntary and provided at no additional charge as part of the evaluation process. Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program (DEVTP) In September, the DEVTP program developed by Cedar Valley College (CVC) and AAHA, was accredited by the AVMA. The program is now one of only three distance education veterinary technology programs to receive this honor. New Option for Radiograph Evaluation The AAHA Board of Directors has developed a new radiograph submission option for its accredited practices. Many of our members are using the services of a board certified radiologist to help them improve the quality of their films and enhance their diagnostic abilities. AAHA now accepts radiographs reviewed by the board certified radiologist of the practice’s choice. This is ideal because the radiographs may never have to leave the practice. To help ensure that the radiologist addresses specific AAHA requirements, we've created a checklist to streamline the process. The checklist is submitted to the radiologist along with the appropriate studies and interpretations. Then the completed checklists are given to the AAHA Practice Consultant during the on-site evaluation. Cardiology Cine-loops Online The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association ventured into new territory with the publication of the November/December 2001 issue. The issue included an article that is supplemented with accompanying video imagery within the Members Only section of www.aahanet.org. A series of 32 real-time echocardiographic images were provided as an educational adjunct to support information presented in a canine congenital heart disease article. The cardiology cine-loops are located in the Members Only section, under “Publications.” AAHA MARKETLink Update AAHA MARKETLink, AAHA’s drug and supply source, receives regular comments from members about the convenient one-stop shopping that saves them significant time and money. Additionally, MARKETLink’s Product Service Specialists receive excellent ratings for their knowledge, skill, and helpfulness. MARKETLink has enjoyed triple-digit growth this past year. Practice Success Veterinary Business Conference Practice Success, AAHA’s 1st Annual Veterinary Business Conference, was held in Las Vegas, Nevada October 26-28, 2001. The program included three days of interactive labs, case-based learning, and panel discussions – all designed to bring the top veterinary consultants out of the classroom and into the reality of the individual practice. The meeting was very successful. Leading Practice Report indicated optimistic AAHA practices AAHA recently surveyed a panel of member veterinarians (Leading Practice Panel) with a goal of determining the rate of economic growth, if any, in companion animal practices for the first six months of 2001, as compared to the same period in 2000. Another objective of the survey was to project, based on the experience of the first six months, practice growth rates and spending plans for the remainder of the calendar year. The results were published in the first installment of the Leading Practice Report entitled Practice Economic Results, Spending, and Inventory Forecast. Of the approximately 300 practices who responded, 89% projected positive growth, with an average increase of 9.8%. Almost all responding practices expressed optimism for the last half of the year, with 92% expecting income to continue to increase, with an average projected growth of 11%. Leading Practice Panel members were asked to assess their local economy during the first six months of 2001 as compared to the same period in 2000. Responses indicated that 34% felt their economy had performed well, with some growth; 31% reported a stable environment, staying about the same; and 35% experienced a slight downtown in their local economy. Based on their financial performance during the first six months of 2001, most practices are planning to stick with the general spending plans they had at the start of the year. In the aftermath of the events of September 11, we found it necessary to go back to the Leading Practice Panel participants and determine the impact, if any, on their practices. Over half of the responding practices reported a noticeable decline in client volume and boarding services in the six-week period since the terrorist attack. However, when the pre- and post-September 11, 2001 responses were compared, the data indicated little change in plans for spending, remodeling, or new construction. Annual Meeting AAHA’s 69th Annual Meeting is being held in Boston, Massachusetts, March 23-27. The Annual Meeting is actually three programs in one, designed to meet the needs of the entire practice team. There is an extensive Scientific Program to deliver the latest tools and knowledge to held veterinarians and clinical professionals stay abreast of the innovations in their field. The Management Conference is ideal for practice managers or veterinarians with management responsibilities who are seeking real-life solutions to the problems they face daily. The Veterinary Technician Program is a unique, hands-on experience for veterinary technicians and assistants seeking to advance their clinical abilities. The Annual Meeting offers: WSAVA Report from American Animal Hospital Association (Posted July, 2001) The recent introduction of our Practice team Concept which improves the delivery of Veterinary medicine within traditional and non-traditional hospitals has been met with unprecedented success. In our first year AAHA had estimated the formation of some 400 Teams. The actual numbers are approaching a level of 800. These Teams, for the most part, are functioning within the Accredited Hospitals, but approximately 15% of the teams are in unaccredited practices. The long range plan envisions that unaccredited practices will be limited in number and the AAHA Hospital Accreditation process will excel in its benefit to our membership. The Board of Directors have identified the Practice Team category as our number one priority for the next fiscal year. Membership in AAHA as of June 2001 consists of over 2900 Accredited Hospitals, 4800 Practitioner affiliate members, 13,500 active Veterinary Members, 3500 students, 4000 Technicians and Assistants, and 1400 Management Associates. In total the AAHA has a current total membership of 22,744 individuals. This year the AAHA Bylaws were rewritten to address the changes within the Profession and the Board of Directors. The new bylaws convey to all veterinarians a right to vote on all issues, with the exception that Hospital Standards issues are voted upon only by those Veterinarians who are practising within an Accredited hospital. Of equal import was that the Practice Team members are also now given consideration as to their input within the team entity. The DVMs who lead the Team will cast the vote, but it is anticipated the team will guide the deliberations within the hospital prior to a vote having been cast. AAHAnet celebrates anniversary with big improvements AAHA is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its professional website, AAHAnet.org, with a large expansion of the site. AAHAnet will offer online ordering of AAHA products and services, as well as a new Members Only section exclusively for AAHA members. Users will be able to order AAHA Press items, register for AAHA events, and even complete AAHA membership applications through the website. The site’s Online Bookstore will feature AAHA’s complete line of approximately 200 books, videos, brochures, pamphlets, forms, and other materials. The Members Only section will include several new features, including: E-newsletter makes its debut AAHA launched the first E-newsletter in December titled AAHAinfo. Providing members with up-to-date information and links to AAHAnet.org, AAHAinfo is the latest informational tool AAHA is using, in conjunction with its website. You’ll enjoy updates on AAHA’s 69th Annual Meeting in Boston in March 2002, the latest publications from AAHA Press, membership info, and much more, all just a click away. Look for your copy of AAHAinfo in your E-mail “In Box” this month. If you don’t receive a copy, send an E-mail to AAHAinfo@AAHAnet.org and we will add you to our subscriber list. AAHA only has a small number of members’ E-mail addresses in its database, and we want to be sure everyone has the opportunity to be included. AAHA introduces NEW Practice Team benefit! Starting in January, Practice Team members have been receiving a new monthly newsletter via fax called Teams First! Teams First! will deal with common issues that arise at practices and will poll AAHA members for how they "deal" with the issue of the month. If you're a Practice Team member, keep your eye out for this new fax and let us know what you think! jennifer.callahan@aahanet.org Veterinary Laser Surgery Workshops AAHA’s Veterinary Laser Surgery Workshop is a comprehensive introduction to laser surgery in a small animal practice. The workshop do focus on the appropriate clinical applications for surgical lasers. Workshop participants will utilize surgical lasers on inanimate materials and review filmed case presentations from practitioners. Basic laser physics, safety, and tissue reactions will also be discussed. MARKETLINK – alive and well! As AAHA MARKETLINK begins its fifth year of business, hundreds of AAHA Members have placed their confidence in MARKETLINK as one of their primary drug and supply sources. Member support has allowed us to grow from a niche supplier to virtually a ONE-STOP source, representing over 18,000 line items from over 250 vendors. Dr. Larry Dee was recognized as AAHA Practitioner of the Year!!! Each year at the General Session of the Annual Meeting, AAHA recognizes several of its members for their outstanding contributions to the profession. This year, Dr. Larry Dee received the AAHA Practitioner of the Year Award. Presentation of this award is particularly exciting, because the name of the award recipient is kept confidential until the announcement is made in front of an audience of about 1,500 General Session attendees. Dr. Bill Jackson, mentor and longtime friend of Larry’s, was on hand to present the award, which made it even more special. Dr. Dee is Hospital Director of Hollywood Animal Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. He has been involved in AAHA leadership since 1976, serving as president in 1993-94. We are proud to offer two new programs for our members. Here are the details for both of these first-time AAHA opportunities! Top consultants, real-life solutions. Everyone understands the need for good business practices. But AAHA knows that real learning takes more than abstract theory and a few handouts. Welcome to Practice Success, AAHA’s new veterinary business conference, which brings many of the profession’s top business consultants together for one event that will educate, energize, and demystify the theories that real, successful practices employ. Immerse yourself in the world of Practice Success, with three days of Interactive Labs, case-based learning, and panel discussions—all designed to bring the top veterinary business consultants out of the classroom and into the reality of your individual veterinary practice. This event is scheduled for the fall of 2001 and the Member Service Centre at 1-800 ASK AAHA will be pleased to take information requests and arrange for registrations. AAHA’s Practice Success is designed for any veterinarian, practice manager, or staff member with management responsibilities. Whether you’re a practice owner or experienced practitioner, a mid-career professional or manager, or a new practitioner or manager looking to build your skills and plan for the future, Practice Success will teach you how to optimize and apply the techniques of proven, successful practices to your own business. Conference highlights. Our three-track program incorporates interactive, hands-on, and traditional learning methods, matching the course content with the best possible way to deliver that information. Track 1. Focus on Practice Improvement: Day-to-Day Issues and Answers Track 2. Focus on Skill-Building: Interactive Labs Our day-long Interactive Computer Lab will address paperless medical records and software for practice management, inventory, and accounting. Other modules include interactive sessions on client communication, and teamwork, and AAHA’s successful on-the-road program on personality profiling. Track 3. Focus on Your Future: A Situation-Based Learning Experience Coming soon to a practice near you – will it be coming to yours? AAHA’s first-ever audio conference will be offered exclusively to AAHA members on June 27, 2001, at 2:00pm EDT, 1:00pm CDT, 12:00 noon MDT, 11:00am PDTAND IT’S FREE TO AAHA MEMBERS!! The Brown Bag Audio Staff Meeting will feature: 50 minutes of AAHA CE—right in your own practice Dr. Robin Downing · Understand that no matter how small or large your practice is, you each have an impact You’ll hear Dr. Downing’s 40-minute presentation, have an opportunity to participate in a Question and Answer session, and complete a follow-up evaluation on our newest AAHA educational program. All you provide is a speaker phone; we’ll provide the rest! In closing I wish the WSAVA a successful assembly and I am personally looking forward to meeting and renewing friendships with the Delegates. Dr. G.A. Grieve ADDITIONAL CONTENT AND STYLE OF THIS PAGE(S) WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MEMBER ASSOCIATION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE GENERAL EDITOR |
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