Our time is valuable, and lately there seems to be increasing pressure to cram even more into an already packed day. The NaVetor team is always on the hunt for ways to help veterinary practices save time. To that end, have you ever considered these ways to boost efficiency?

Should your veterinary practice…

1. Use an app? 

The short answer – Yes! The long answer – effective apps can be a huge timesaver, allowing you (and staff members) to get more done in less time, even while moving around the veterinary practice or from an offsite location. Great mobile apps allow you to complete most tasks just as if you were on a computer (not to mention they automatically sync with your software).

Think about it. What if you could take care of most of your daily tasks from your phone or tablet and, in some instances, not even be physically present in the office to do so? For example, the NaVetor app was recently enhanced so that most client-facing tasks can be completed on a mobile device, allowing you to:

• Add new clients and patients, or add additional patients to an existing client
• Check patients in and out
• Update medical records and treatments
• Prescribe medicine
• Create new invoices
• Accept payments

2. Go paperless or paper light?

If you feel you’re spending too much time looking for, maintaining, and updating paper files, then the answer is Yes. Sure, using paper files can be comforting – it was the only way for many years. But electronic files are much faster and cleaner. A paperless system saves time, frees up space, and even gives peace of mind. Long gone are the days of searching tirelessly for misplaced files. Instead, you can pull a patient record, research a diagnosis, or schedule an appointment in seconds. And those seconds add up to hours by the end of the week.

Other advantages include:

• Saving space (no more rows and rows of files)
• Positive sanitary implications (not passing around paper files from person to person)
• Converting newly discovered space to additional exam rooms or an expanded waiting area, increasing clients’ comfort and practice profitability
• Automatic backup of files (decreased risk of destruction due to natural disasters, fire, or water damage)
• More attractive to younger veterinarians, all of whom are comfortable with paperless methods

If you’re not comfortable going completely paperless, you can go paper light and make small changes, slowly transferring some documents to electronic files over time.

3. Make time for software training? 

While it may not save you time right now, appropriate software training will save you time in the long run. In order to be able to take full advantage of the capabilities offered by your software, you must be fully trained. The initial training you receive when you sign up for a new software platform merely scratches the surface on capabilities. It is intended to familiarize you with the basic functionality of the system so you can get up and running quickly.

There is a wealth of information and options lying underneath the surface, however. Even for super user-friendly platforms like NaVetor, a series of training sessions (in person, via phone or video conference, or webinars – take your pick!) can uncover hidden shortcuts and tips that you may not otherwise figure out on your own. And this is where the real efficiencies are found.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best dividend.”

4. Network with other veterinarians and staff who use your software?

This may be a surprising way to get more out of your software, but it provides real value. Some software platforms offer annual user groups meetings, either as stand-alone meetings or at the VHMA annual conference. Others have created Facebook groups or online chat rooms where you can connect with other practices and share tips and tricks. Veterinarians tell us repeatedly that this is a great way to become more efficient with practice management in general.

As busy veterinary practice owners, you want to ensure that your time, as well as your staff’s time, is put to the best, most efficient use. Implementing these tips will help you increase your practice’s efficiency at a time where every minute counts. And when you work with an all-encompassing cloud software platform like NaVetor, you can reap the benefits of increased efficiency.

If you’d like to see how NaVetor can help improve your practice efficiency, request a demo or sign up for a free trial.