Find a Consultant

How to get the most out of working with practice management consultants and advisors:

• Select a consultant with the right skill set for your practice.

• Learn about the different types of consultants.

• Understand when you need to hire a consultant.

• Choose a consultant who will meet your style and the culture of your practice.

The successful management of a veterinary practice is a complex challenge. Just as it is increasingly difficult to remain current in all areas of medicine for all species, it is similarly arduous to know all aspects of good business management. By hiring a consultant, you get an expert who remains current in his or her field(s) of expertise. Like hiring any team member, engaging a consultant should be a well-planned and thoroughly researched process. There are many types of consultants and advisors; some may have several areas of expertise while others specialize in one area.

The VetPartners Membership Directory groups consultants by areas of expertise and geographic area served. Categories of consultants include but are not limited to the following areas:

Practice Management
• Encompasses day-to-day management of hospital functions.
• Areas covered include recruiting, hiring, training and retaining staff, managing work flow, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory control, client service, facilities management, as well as fonancial analysis and budgeting.
• Consultants specialize in the overall operational management of the hospital.

Human Resource Management

• Includes employment law and compliance, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and education, and performance management.

• Consultants advising clients in HR management typically have acquired skills and knowledge from training and certification from industry recognized and accredited human resource programs.

• Consultants stay current in their knowledge of specific areas of HR through further certification, credentialing or continuing-education programs.

Education

• Consultants are employed either by an academic institution or lecture to veterinary medical students.

• Consultants with this area of expertise develop or participate in student outreach programs to heighten student awareness of veterinary business management, human resources, leadership and communication skills.

Speaking and Presenting

• Consultants present locally, regionally, nationally and/or internationally on veterinary practice management topics.

Practice Valuations, Brokers, Mergers and Strategic Succession Planning

• Consultants in this category include professionals who consult and/or represent clients in valuing and appraising their practices.

• In addition, these consultants assist in the sale process or the merger of two or more practices, and help clients in long range and succession planning.

Accounting and Tax Services

• Consultants guide clients from start-up to maturity through all aspects of accounting and tax issues and ensure compliance with the tax code for their area.

• Services may include financial statement and tax return preparation, tax planning, entity selection, strategic planning, cash flow and budgeting analysis, financing, financial forecasts, and representation before the IRS and other tax authorities.

Financial Planning Services

• Consultants advise clients on a comprehensive or project basis regarding cash flow and debt management, asset allocation and investment management, risk assessment and insurance needs, retirement and college funding, charitable giving and estate planning.

Marketing and Media

• Consultants specialize in public relations and marketing of practices in areas such as image branding, working with media, market research studies, practice advertising and marketing, event planning, client surveys and newsletters, and strategic market planning.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Includes barred and non-barred attorneys who consult or represent clients on various veterinary legal issues.

• Areas include but are not limited to general corporate representation, tax law, professional malpractice defense, mergers, acquisitions, board complaint defense, employment law, associate contract representation, formatting veterinary practice entities, regulatory compliance and real estate law.

Industry

• Consultants who are employed by companies that sell veterinary products, equipment, pharmaceutical drugs, .nancial services and other services to the veterinary profession.

• Also includes the consultants and advisors who work with businesses on the industry and commerce side of the profession.

Architects

• Consultants who specialize in the design and construction of new practices and/or the remodeling and expansion of existing practices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When should a practice retain a consultant?

Anytime you are making a change to your practice and require expert advice in that area. Veterinarians often make the mistake of thinking a consultant is only necessary if you are making a major change or shift in your practice, while consultants can add a lot of value just by reviewing and improving your existing operations.

What will a consultant cost?

Fees vary. Some consultants charge based on the project while others are on billable hours. Some jobs may be set up as a bundled package. Most consultants require a retainer and bill travel expenses separately. It is always best to ask the consultant to provide a quote.

Should I sign a letter of intent or contract?

Yes, because these types of agreements and contracts help protect you as much as the consultant. By clearly outlining the project goals and objectives, requirements for success, costs and timeline for the project as well as any other expectations, you are getting the project o. on the right track. These agreements help you be more thoughtful about what you want to get out of the project.

What can I expect from a consultant/advisor?

You’ll need a person whose behavior is governed by a code of ethics and who is intently interested in helping you achieve your goals. Consultants are experts in their field of interest and know where to find the right answers to help you grow and improve the operations of your practice.

How do I choose the right consultant for my practice?

Be clear on your goals, needs and timelines. Check references and interview potential consultants. Then ask yourself if he or she communicates well and if you and your team feel the consultant will be a good match.

What do I need to do to get my staff to embrace changes?

One of the keys to gaining staff acceptance is to include them throughout the entire process, from consultant selection to completion of the project. No one knows more about your practice than you and your staff and by working together as a team with the consultant you will find the best solution together. Consultants specifcally tailor their approach to YOUR practice, and don’t just deliver a canned approach. The overall plan will include ways to make sure staff embraces the changes that are enacted.