The veterinary industry is rapidly evolving, with advancements in technology playing a key role. One of the most significant developments in recent years is the rise of veterinary telehealth (VT). VT allows pet owners to consult with veterinarians remotely, via videoconferencing or other digital platforms. This has led to greater convenience and affordability for pet owners, and has also helped to improve access to veterinary care in remote or underserved areas.
Another important trend in the veterinary industry is the increasing use of electronic medical records (EMRs). EMRs allow veterinarians to store and manage patient information in a digital format, which can improve efficiency and accuracy. EMRs can also be shared with other veterinarians or pet owners, which can facilitate collaboration and continuity of care.
The combination of VT and EMRs is transforming the way that veterinary care is delivered. In 2025, it is expected that VT and EMRs will be even more widely adopted, and will continue to play a vital role in the future of animal healthcare.
There are many benefits to using VT, including:
- Convenience: VT allows pet owners to consult with veterinarians from anywhere, at any time. This can be especially convenient for pet owners who live in rural areas, or who have busy schedules.
- Affordability: VT is often more affordable than traditional in-person veterinary visits. This can be a significant savings for pet owners, especially those who have multiple pets or who need to see a veterinarian frequently.
- Improved access to care: VT can help to improve access to veterinary care in remote or underserved areas. This is especially important for pet owners who live in areas where there are few or no veterinarians available.
There are also many benefits to using EMRs, including:
- Improved efficiency: EMRs can help veterinarians to improve efficiency by reducing the time spent on paperwork and administrative tasks.
- Improved accuracy: EMRs can help to improve accuracy by reducing the risk of human error.
- Improved collaboration: EMRs can be shared with other veterinarians or pet owners, which can facilitate collaboration and continuity of care.
Despite the many benefits of VT and EMRs, there are still some challenges to their adoption. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Lack of awareness: Many pet owners are not aware of the benefits of VT or EMRs.
- Cost: VT and EMRs can be expensive to implement, especially for small veterinary practices.
- Data security: Pet owners may be concerned about the security of their pet’s medical information.
Despite the challenges, VT and EMRs are expected to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. By 2025, it is expected that VT and EMRs will be widely adopted by veterinary practices of all sizes.
There are a number of factors that are driving the growth of VT and EMRs, including:
- The increasing popularity of pet ownership: The number of pet owners in the United States is expected to reach 108 million by 2025. This growing demand for veterinary services is driving the need for more convenient and affordable options.
- The advancement of technology: The rapid advancement of technology is making VT and EMRs more affordable and accessible than ever before.
- The changing needs of pet owners: Pet owners are increasingly demanding more convenient and affordable veterinary care. VT and EMRs can help to meet these needs.
If you are considering using VT or EMRs, it is important to choose a provider that is right for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a provider:
- The provider’s experience: Choose a provider that has experience in providing VT or EMR services.
- The provider’s reputation: Read online reviews to see what other pet owners have to say about the provider.
- The provider’s cost: Make sure to compare the cost of different providers before making a decision.
- The provider’s features: Consider the features that are important to you when choosing a provider. Some providers may offer additional features, such as online scheduling or pet insurance.
VT and EMRs are transforming the way that veterinary care is delivered. These technologies are providing pet owners with more convenient, affordable, and accessible care. By 2025, VT and EMRs are expected to be widely adopted by veterinary practices of all sizes.
If you are not already using VT or EMRs, I encourage you to consider doing so. These technologies can help you to improve the quality of care that you provide to your patients, and can also help you to save time and money.
Veterinary Telehealth
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
- North American Veterinary Community
Electronic Medical Records
