Topic: IVC

VetSurgeon understands that a major corporate veterinary group is preparing a workaround to the Competition and Market Authority’s proposed £21 cap on prescription charges, according to internal documents seen by this publication.

The documents, provided to VetSurgeon by a whistleblower from within IVC, reveal the company's plans to stop issuing prescriptions and replace them with a new Pre-Scription service.

IVC Pre-Scriptions will include:

• A calligraphy-style prescription “suitable for presentation to external pharmacies”
• A velvet presentation folder
• A complimentary treat for the patient
• A framed photograph of the veterinary surgeon who issued the prescription

VetSurgeon understands that Pre-Scriptions will be charged at £85.68

The whistleblower also shared a draft public price list which the company is said to be preparing in anticipation of the CMA’s proposed requirement for practices to publish pricing information online.

The leaked price list includes entries for first consultations, repeat consultations, out-of-hours consultations, nurse consultations, nail clipping, anal gland expression, microchipping, animal health certificates, primary and booster vaccinations, kennel cough vaccination, pet care plans, prescription and dispensing fees, dental work, neutering procedures, physiotherapy, laser therapy, diagnostic imaging, blood tests, euthanasia and cremation.

At first glance, many of the prices shown in the draft appear surprisingly low.

Among the figures listed are:

• First consultation: £5

• Repeat consultation: £4

• Nurse consultation: £3

• Nail clipping: £1

• Anal gland expression: £2

• Microchipping: £2

• Booster vaccination: £2

• MRI scan (per body part): £7

• CT scan (per body part): £6

VetSurgeon contacted Intrepid Veterinary Care for comment.

Company spokesperson Dr Flora Olip MRCVS said the group was “committed to embracing the spirit of transparency while continuing to innovate in client experience”.

She said: “The proposed CMA remedies create an important opportunity for veterinary businesses to present pricing clearly and consistently. We believe pet owners deserve not only transparent pricing, but also choice.

“The Pre-Scription offer is not a prescription fee.

"It is a wider premium service built around documentation, presentation and client convenience, within which a prescription may be provided.”

The leaked document also included indicative pricing for procedures not listed on the CMA-mandated price list, including TPLO surgery, which is listed at 'fixed cost price' of £4,475,000.