We are fortunate in animal health in that we don’t deal with third-party pay and actuarial oversight of preventative care, yet. Annual physicals are the most common reason that U.S. residents see a doctor. Apparently, not all agree with their necessity or value.
This information about human care decisions may signal a cloud of opportunity for our markets. Conversely, it may warn of a storm. How we act will determine our future. We must determine the core* reasons for annual or semi-annual visits, beyond economics, for our pets BEFORE the human health market diminishes their value further. The challenge will be to sell and support the benefits.
Source: Repertoire, March 2016.
At $10 billion or so a year, some question the value of annual physicals. Today, as healthcare providers – and consumers – preach the importance of preventive healthcare and population health, why would anyone diss the annual physical? An annual rite of passage for as many as one-third of U.S. adults, the physical is coming under attack from some providers, who question its value and its cost. Many consumers are left wondering what to do.
INSIGHTS: *Core vaccines and protocols have helped shape prevention strategies in nearly all species. Similar core elements of annual visits will be important to keep visit compliance high. Guidelines have been developed by AAHA and the AVMA through the Partners for Healthy Pets initiative.