Veterinary Industry Summary: April 28–May 4, 2024
Stats from the Veterinary Industry Tracker powered by Vetsource and AVMA
April 28–May 4, 2024
Two new laws affecting veterinary medicine have been signed by the Colorado governor.
The “Providing Veterinary Services Through Telehealth” bill (HB 24-1048) requires that a veterinarian conduct an in-person physical exam to establish a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) and allows telemedicine to be used by licensed veterinarians with client consent. It also:
- Defines different types of telehealth that may be used in veterinary practices
- States that only a licensed veterinarian with an established VCPR may prescribe medication using telemedicine
- Allows a licensed veterinarian to refer a patient to a veterinary specialist, who may provide veterinary services, except prescribing medications, via telemedicine under the referring veterinarian’s VCPR
- Extends the VCPR to other licensed veterinarians at the same physical practice location who have reviewed the patient’s medical records
The “Veterinary Technician Scope of Practice” bill (HB 24-1047) clarifies the tasks that veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists (VTSs) in Colorado can perform, as well as the levels of supervision required. The bill also grants title protection for VTSs. Beginning September 1, 2025, licensed veterinarians in Colorado will be able to delegate certain technical tasks to licensed veterinary technicians, VTSs, or other veterinary team members — with appropriate supervision. For example, the bill allows veterinary technicians to assist with surgical and dental procedures under immediate supervision, or place catheters under direct supervision.
The bill’s sponsor, veterinarian and Colorado Representative Karen McCormick said the bill will stretch the limits of what a registered veterinary technician can do in Colorado, fully leveraging their skills, improving job satisfaction and retention, and freeing up veterinarians’ time.
Meanwhile, in California, the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) voted to oppose a state bill (AB 2133) that would allow licensed veterinary technicians to neuter male cats. Per the bill, the technicians would need to follow written protocols established by a supervising veterinarian who must be on the premises when the procedure is done. The VMB’s vote against the bill is not binding on California legislators — the bill now moves to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, which it must clear before it can be considered by the full Assembly. If it passes that chamber by May 24, the bill will move to the California Senate.
Check out the Veterinary Industry Tracker for daily stats.
| +2.7% Revenue YoY (Last Week) |
-1.1% Visits YoY (Last Week) |
Year-over-year revenue improved slightly last week — up 2.7% compared to 2.4% the week prior. And, while year-over-year visits were still in negative territory, they rebounded to -1.1% from -3.3% the previous week.
 -9.1%Heartworm YoY |
-6.3% Flea/Tick YoY |
 +4.4%Services YoY |
-2.2% Products YoY |
Compared to the week before, year-over-year parasiticide protection also gained ground last week. Heartworm protection was -9.1% and flea/tick protection was -6.3%, improvements from -9.2% and -8.3% respectively the previous week. Year-over-year revenue from services remained at 4.4%, and revenue from products improved from -3.0% to -2.2% last week.
| +4.8% Revenue YoY (Last 12 Months) |
-2.1% Visits YoY (Last 12 Months) |
The rolling 14-day trendline shows revenue and visits remaining fairly stagnant over the past month.
| 5,398 Practices |
2.1M Revenue per Practice (Last 12 Months) |
10.5K Visits per Practice (Last 12 Months) |
New Hampshire enjoyed the highest growth in year-over-year revenue last week at 9.0%, while North Carolina was the only state to see positive growth in year-over-year visits at 0.2%. Minnesota came in second for revenue and visits at 7.9% and -0.2% respectively.
*Numbers are subject to change based on data availability and PIMS adjustments.
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