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Surescripts is expanding its e-prescribing services to include medications ordered by veterinarians in a new partnership with DAW Systems, Inc (ScriptSure). The collaboration aims to streamline the care process for pets, potentially improving medication adherence and yielding better patient outcomes, as well as supporting the veterinarian workflow, according to a news release.

“Our work with DAW Systems to bring the benefits of electronic prescribing to veterinarians is yet another example of our commitment to partnership and innovation across the Surescripts Network Alliance,” said Frank Harvey, chief executive officer at Surescripts, in the release.

 “This technology, which has supported clinicians for more than 2 decades, will also support veterinarians by reducing administrative tasks—like handwritten prescriptions, phone calls and faxes—so they can spend more meaningful time caring for our pet patients."

The new Surescripts e-prescribing service for veterinary medications will utilize the latest NCPDP SCRIPT Standard (Version 2023011) finalized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in June 2024. The use of the latest standard ensures a secure and reliable system for transmitting pet medications.

“This means participants in the Surescripts Network Alliance who complete their e-prescribing upgrade and add e-prescribing for veterinary medications will gain access to trusted, advanced prescribing tools that emphasize better quality care and prioritize patient safety,” said Kat Thorp, vice president of product commercialization at Surescripts, in the release.

A staggering 65% of veterinarians report feeling constantly overloaded by their workload, with 31% of veterinarians experiencing depressive episodes and 17% struggling with suicidal ideation as a result.

 These numbers highlight the need for solutions to lighten veterinarians’ workload and reduce stress. By eliminating time-consuming tasks such as calling pharmacies and manually writing prescriptions, as well as reducing the risk of medication errors, e-prescribing frees up valuable time for consultations and patient care. Less time spent on addressing administrative burdens translates directly to less stress for veterinarians.

What’s more, a boom in pet ownership amid stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 13% growth in pet medications in 2020.

 Although this surge has since stabilized, the market is expected to continue growing at a “modest but steady pace” until 2027, according to leading market research publisher Packaged Facts.

 This increased demand indicates a busier workflow for veterinarians; e-prescribing allows the health care professionals to handle it while maintaining a high standard of care.

The collaboration between Surescripts and DAW Systems leverages Surescripts’ established e-prescribing network, which last year processed 2.5 billion prescriptions from 1.29 million prescribers across the US.

 This proven track record in human health care bodes well for the positive impact of e-prescribing on veterinary practices.

“We are excited to expand the benefits of Surescripts e-prescribing beyond human patients to our animal patients and the veterinarians who care for them,” said Adam Forman, chief operating officer at DAW Systems, in the release.

 “Together, with Surescripts, we will enable veterinarian prescribers to securely transmit electronic prescriptions to retail pharmacies, streamlining the prescription process for pets, enhancing patient safety and reducing the potential for medication errors.”

Surescripts e-prescribing expands to veterinary medications. News release. Surescripts. July 16, 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. 

https://surescripts.com/press-releases/surescripts-e-prescribing-expands-to-veterinary-medications

Steffey MA, Griffon DJ, Risselada M, et al. A narrative review of the physiology and health effects of burnout associated with veterinarian-pertinent occupational stressors. 

. 2023;10:1184525. doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1184525

Pet medications market thrives in wake of pandemic. News release. Packaged Facts. June 8, 2021. Accessed July 19, 2024. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-medications-market-thrives-in-wake-of-pandemic-301308028.html

US pet medication market touches $12 billion. News article. GlobalPETS. July 13, 2023. Accessed July 2024. 

https://globalpetindustry.com/article/us-pet-medication-market-touches-12-billion

Articles

The partnership between Surescripts and DAW Systems leverages an established e-prescribing network being used in human medicine

Collaboration expands e-prescribing services to veterinary practices

Practice Ownership with Dr. Rocchio

At Fetch Kansas City 2024, Chris Rocchio, DVM, underscored the importance of early planning and professional guidance when navigating the sale, purchase, or startup of veterinary practices. He sat down with 

® at the conference and shared what he believes are the best moves you can make—and the biggest pitfalls to avoid—when taking one of the biggest steps of your career.

For Rocchio, helping veterinarians transition into or out of practice ownership is more than just a job—it’s a passion. With a decade of experience, he’s seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the process. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to start earlier than you think.

"Most of us don't want to think about selling our practices, and we just keep delaying and delaying the beginning of that process," Dr. Rocchio observed. His advice is clear: start early. "Those transition times now are not like two years like they used to be—they're now three to seven years. The earlier you get started on the process, the better we can evaluate, fix issues, and navigate the entire process."

Rocchio repeatedly touched on the importance of seeking professional help, rather than attempting to handle the complex process alone. He recounted numerous instances where veterinarians, eager to sell after receiving an attractive offer, were surprised to learn that their practices were worth much more.

"Veterinarians are smart, and we feel like sometimes we can do everything… but I really don't think veterinarians should go out and try to sell their own practice without getting some professional help," Rocchio advised. "We probably have a hundred of those stories where a client says, 'I got this offer. It's $8 million.' And after our evaluation, it turns out to be $12 million."

His message is simple but powerful: "Start early and get help. It doesn't mean you have to sell your practice tomorrow because you started talking to us about it."

The corporate market and opportunities for associates

In today’s market, corporate buyers are more prevalent, and this trend has both challenges and opportunities. Rocchio said, "It's a huge corporate market right now… But there are opportunities to get equity for our associate doctors and for sellers to retain equity."

He explained the potential benefits of these corporate partnerships: "We're really stressing when we work with our clients, is there an opportunity for the other associate vets to get some ownership in the transition process? It helps ensure that in 10 years from now, our practices are still going to be viable, still taking care of our clients, our community, and the vets that work there."

Private sales are still achievable if that’s your goal

Despite the corporate dominance, Rocchio and his team continue to support veterinarians who prefer private sales. "For us, it's about trying to help veterinarians reach their goals. If your goal is to sell to a private party, we're going to help you through that process. We're not going to try and talk you out of it," he said.

He concluded with a reflection on the importance of ownership within the veterinary profession: "The more that veterinarians have ownership in our profession, the healthier our profession is going to be."

By focusing on early planning, seeking professional help, and carefully considering both corporate and private sale options, veterinarians can ensure they’re making informed decisions that benefit their practices, their associates, and the future of the profession.

Videos

Chris Rocchio, DVM, shares his experiences with buying and selling veterinary practices, as well as pitfalls to avoid

The best advice for buying or selling a practice? Start early and get help

In June 2024, compounded GS-441524 became available by veterinary prescription for veterinary offices as well as individual patients permitted in the United States, giving veterinarians in the United States access to a feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) oral treatment. The compounded oral medication has come from an exclusive partnership between Stokes Pharmacy and Bova Group and is the first legal FIP treatment in the US.

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomed guest Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, to discuss recent advancements in FIP treatment, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis, and more. 

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ

: Historically, treatment of FIP has included medications like prednisolone, interferon and polyprenyl immunostimulant, and as the listeners know, these treatments have been largely unsuccessful and often resulted in euthanasia. Our colleagues in the United Kingdom and Australia have had legal access to something called GS 5734, more commonly known as remdesivir. This is a prodrug of GS 441524, with an extra chemical side chain that is supposed to improve cellular penetration. They're really lucky. They have access to both injectable and oral forms, and there are established protocols in these geographic locales for each route of administration. 

In the USA, we currently have no FDA approved treatments for treatment of FIP. However, Stokes Pharmacy, a PCAB accredited compounding pharmacy, has recently established an exclusive partnership with the Bova Group to offer a US made oral treatment for FIP so American veterinarians can now manage their FIP patients with Stokes Pharmacy's compounded preparation that is supported by Bova's, unique drug formula that's been utilized in clinical research studies across the globe.

McCafferty C. Compounded oral FIP treatment is now available. dvm360. June 14, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/compounded-oral-fip-treatment-is-now-available

Podcasts

Drs Adam Christman and Christopher Byers highlight recent FIP treatment advancements

Updates in treating FIP

Following the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) report on the 

 of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in the state,

 the department published a guidance document for veterinarians assessing feline cases for HPAI infection. The document details infection prevention and control measures, testing considerations, veterinary staff health monitoring, and additional resources.

Cat owners should exercise caution with letting their companion animals go outside, especially those living close to agricultural communities, Kay Russo, DVM, MAHM, DACPV, from Colorado, advised in a 

 She also recommended owners keep their cats indoors more frequently now due to the increased risk of exposure.

In the guidance document, 'Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1): Guidance for veterinarians assessing HPAI H5N1 in domestic felines,' the CDPHE recommends limiting contact between pets and wild birds, as well as ill livestock and environments potentially contaminated with avian flu.

 The Department also recommends feline owners change their clothes and shoes after interacting with animals or birds with unknown health status and before interacting with personal pets.

For veterinarians specifically, the document advises

Following CDC recommendations for veterinarians when evaluating and handling cats potentially infected with H5N1 HPAI

Using your clinic’s isolation and patient handling protocols for suspected infectious and/or zoonotic disease cases; including negative airflow when possible, containing and disinfecting all equipment used in treating the patient, and using PPE and limiting staff contact with animals in isolation

All veterinary staff should change shoes and clothes prior to leaving the clinic to prevent spreading H5N1 to other pets, family members, and the community

“It's really important that the owners [of these cats] and the veterinarians observe utilization of proper PPE because this is, in fact, a zoonotic infection,” emphasized Russo in the report.

Testing guidance for potentially infected cats

Deceased or severely ill feline patients with neurological symptoms should be evaluated for H5N1 testing, according to the state health department. Moreover, rabies viruses should also be considered in the assessment.

H5N1 and rabies testing can be conducted at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL). For influenza virus testing, brain tissue is the preferred sample. Furthermore, the guidance document emphasizes veterinarians conducting testing follow these measures

Wear PPE when collecting specimens, including mask, face shield, and gloves

For deceased or euthanized animals, submit 1” x 2” section of brain (fresh); additional fees may apply for brain removal for whole carcass submissions

For live animals, submit nasal swab, ocular swab, urine and whole blood

Samples should be refrigerated and shipped in an insulated box with ice packs

Contact the VDL at (970) 297-1281 for questions related to animal testing

Monitor other cats in contact with symptomatic or positive cats 

Refer owners of suspect/positive cats to the CDPHE for human exposure monitoring

Veterinarians seeking guidance or support on suspected cases should contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and reach the Animal Health Division at 303-869-9130 or via email at animalhealth@state.co.us, per the CDPHE.

 Anyone who suspects an HPAI infection or any other reportable disease in domestic animals should also contact the CDA at the above information.

Additionally, veterinarians should consider rabies as a differential diagnosis for neurologic cats.

 For help with a rabies risk assessment, local public health departments or the CDPHE should be consulted. The CDPHE can assist veterinary professionals who do not know their local health department.

 The department can be emailed at cdphe_zoonoses@state.co.us.

Domestic or feral cats showing symptoms of feline H5N1 typically experience a rapid or severe illness course of 0 to 10 days, according to Colorado's state health department. Signs include

Progressive respiratory and neurologic clinical signs: dyspnea, tachypnea, altered mentation, seizures, tremors, fever, and death

Lack of response to supportive therapy or antimicrobial therapy

Cats exhibiting a lack of coordination, inability to stand, reduced energy and appetite, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, and/or blindness should also be examined. Felines that have been diagnosed with H5N1 have showed the aforementioned symptoms, according to the CDPH.

Speaking on the disease’s progression, Russo commented, “It's just remarkable how fast and furious [H5N1] is moving…I hope we can get a handle on it soon,” she said in the 

Bautista-Alejandre A. 6 cats in Colorado are diagnosed with avian influenza. 

August 16, 2024. Accessed August 16, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/6-cats-in-colorado-are-diagnosed-with-avian-influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1): Guidance for veterinarians assessing HPAI H5N1 in domestic felines. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://d3cban8v3q1zt4.cloudfront.net/app/uploads/20240809113317/Guidance-for-Veterinarians-assessing-H5N1-HPAI-in-domestic-felines-2.pdf

Daley J. Bird flu cases now detected in domestic cats in Colorado. 

. August 12, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.cpr.org/2024/08/12/bird-flu-cases-detected-in-domestic-cats-colorado/

Colorado’s health department published a guidance document for veterinary professionals testing felines for avian flu and indicators of an H5N1 infection

Recommendations for veterinarians evaluating feline cases of H5N1

Avoca Drive Animal Hospital in Erina, New South Wales, Australia has become the first veterinary practice in Australia, and in the Oceania region, to achieve Fear Free Veterinary Practice Certification.1 The certification signifies the work put in by Avoca Drive Animal Hospital to ensure their facility is a Fear Free environment for their patients.

“Having drilled down to what drove us to become veterinarians in the first place—seeing pets healthy and happy—it seemed clear that there was a significant component missing in our veterinary curriculum: animal emotional wellbeing,” Elizabeth O’Connor, BVSc, founder and owner of Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, said in a news release.

 “Fear Free has provided the support and training needed to bring this considerate approach to many more veterinary professionals, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

“Achieving this milestone of being Australia’s first fully Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice means the world to us,” O’Connor continued.

 “It strengthens our bond as a team, connects us to our mission, and aligns us with clients who deeply care about their pets’ emotional wellbeing.”

Avoca Drive Animal Hospital followed the standard Fear Free procedure to receive their certification. They began by enrolling in the certification program, ensuring each member of their team became individually Fear Free certified, while working to incorporate all 36 mandatory standards into their workflows and patient care protocols. The hospital then underwent a thorough assessment of their facilities, protocols, and team dynamics, whereby the Fear Free team ensured that the experiences of all patients would be meet the program’s standards.

“The certification of Avoca Drive Animal Hospital is a significant step forward for Fear Free and the veterinary community in Australia,” Randy Valpy, CEO of Fear Free, said.

 “By becoming the first Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice in the country, Avoca Drive is enhancing patient care and inspiring other practices in the Oceania region to adopt Fear Free methods.”

Founded in 2016 by Marty Becker, DVM, Fear Free provides online education to veterinary professionals, animal care professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners on the emotional wellbeing and enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in animals.

 “A pet cannot be optimally healthy unless they are happy,” Becker said.

 “Fear Free uses clinically proven protocols to mitigate fear, anxiety, and stress triggers, ensuring pets feel safe and calm during their veterinary visits. The achievement by Avoca Drive Animal Hospital exemplifies our mission and underscores the transformative impact Fear Free practices have on pet care.”

The announcement of Avoca Drive Animal Hospital’s certification comes as part of a worldwide movement of veterinary practices adopting Fear Free methodology. To date, there are Fear Free Certified practices in the US, Canada, the UK, the UAE, and now Australia.

 Additionally, there are practices currently working on their certifications in Guam, India, Denmark, Scotland, New Zealand, Lithuania, Germany, and China, according to Valpy.

Becker credits Henry Yoo, DVM, as Fear Free’s director of the Pacific Rim. Yoo is leading Fear Free’s expansion to Asia, with plans to discuss Fear Free practices in Seoul, South Korea. Since Fear Free’s launch, veterinary staff and pet professionals in 120 countries have registered for their Fear Free Certification.

“No matter what continent, country, or community your veterinary practice is located [in], you never entered veterinary care to make life worse for animals,” Becker said in an email. “Quite the opposite. You wanted to help animals live happier, healthier, fuller lives… When you focus on both physical and emotional wellbeing with Fear Free, we take the ‘pet’ out of ‘petrified,’ and put the ‘treat’ into ‘treatment.’ Animals can look forward to a veterinary visit, and pet parents look forward to taking them.”

Avoca Drive Animal Hospital Becomes First Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice in Australia. News release. Fear Free, LLC. August 20, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2024. 

https://www.prweb.com/releases/avoca-drive-animal-hospital-becomes-first-fear-free-certified-veterinary-practice-in-australia-302226120.html

What is Fear Free? Fear Free. Accessed August 21, 2024. 

https://fearfreepets.com/about/what-is-fear-free/

Toronto’s Downtown Animal Hospital Is First Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice in Canada. News release. Fear Free. April 23, 2018. Accessed August 21, 2024. 

https://fearfreepets.com/torontos-downtown-animal-hospital-first-fear-free-certified-veterinary-practice-canada/#:~:text=We%20are%20extremely%20proud%20to,better%20physical%20health%20care%2C%20too

Fear Free Pets Announces Expansion into the United Kingdom with Harrison Family Vets. News release. Fear Free. October 17, 2023. Accessed August 21, 2024. 

https://www.prweb.com/releases/fear-free-pets-announces-expansion-into-the-united-kingdom-with-harrison-family-vets-301955894.html

German Veterinary Clinic Achieves Fear Free Certification: A First in the United Arab Emirates. News release. Fear Free. July 2, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2024. 

https://www.prweb.com/releases/german-veterinary-clinic-achieves-fear-free-certification-a-first-in-the-united-arab-emirates-302186597.html

As more practices around the world adopt Fear Free methodology, Avoca Drive Animal Hospital's certification marks a milestone

Australian hospital is the first Fear Free certified veterinary practice in the Oceania region

John Honchariw discusses what computer vision is and its role in veterinary medicine

Video interview with John Honchariw

In veterinary medicine, although sometimes you can see when a patient is in pain, they will never be able to tell you that. Even when a patient comes into the clinic for care, the symptoms may only be visible when they think they are alone or in the comfort of their own home. This is a problem that veterinarians can face with any patient, so how can technology help?

In an interview with John Honchariw, founder and chief executive officer, Companion, at the annual Veterinary Innovation Summit presented by the North American Veterinary Community and Veterinary Innovation Council, Honchariw shares more about what computer vision is and the power it can hold to create a better understanding of patients.

: One of the most fun and exciting things about animal health is it [is] somewhat unique in that...a lot of technology for animal health comes from human health. Here, humans can talk—they can say...if their knee is in pain, they can say if their ankle is in pain. With dogs, they can't talk, so [veterinarians] actually have to rely far more on seeing an animal first, and that's why it's so important in this field.

What is computer vision, and how can it improve the veterinary industry?