Disgusted at vets!

[Imissivillage]

To start with this isn't a general cost of vets prices bashing thread, but I am annoyed in these circumstances!

Recently took FILs cat to the vet, paid consultation fee and for the medication prescribed. They said please come back in 2 weeks so that we can see how the medication is helping.

Just found out I'll need to pay another consultation fee for that appointment!

At the vet we use for our dog that wouldn't have a consultation feel because it is just a follow on at the vets request.

AIBU to be really peed off!

Our vet signage says reduced price for reconsult... Just had ddog back for check post new meds... Didn't pay. Tablets were 61 quid and op 3 weeks ago was 1400. Bloody deserved a freebie imo!!

Isn't obvious that you pay for every consultation?

If you were seeing a doctor or dentist privately follow ups aren't free, so why would they be at the vets?

It is just a different fee structure. They can front load the initial visit cost and not charge for the follow-up or they can charge for two visits. Sort of like how an airline can charge a lower price for a ticket but then will have fees for every little ‘extra’. They all really charge the same in the end, it’s just a matter of how they go about structuring the fees.

Having just had to have private dental treatment, what you're saying is untrue.

Initial payment for treatment did in fact include the followup cost already, so the follow up visit was "free".

Our vets have only recently introduced a fee for a follow up appointment, been going there over 30 years with various different pets and no charge for follow ups. Not happy about it but it seems most vets do it now following a ring round of others in the area

So not actually untrue @justonemoreuser you just paid all the fees in one go.

They still didn't do the follow up for nothing.

Someone will be along soon defending all those poor, poor vets that need to over charge just to survive.

Our vets don't charge for follow ups and the initial consultation is the same price as it would be for a standard single consultation. So they don't all charge for follow ups.

If you don't want to pay then don't use the appointment

Time and expertise costs money.

Vets will next charge you for breathing the air on their premises.

Sadly in most cases it's not the vets setting the pricing structure. There are very few independent veterinary practices left, most have been bought out by much larger companies who are answerable to share holders. I think it's resulted in a more expensive but poorer quality service.

Yes I’m aware of all that and very pleased that vet prices are now being looked into and about time!

Why on earth do you think it would be free? It's a consultation with a professional using their expertise and taking up their time. If you don't want to pay, don't make an appointment. Entirely your choice.

I do r see the issue with this? My cat is a frequent flyer at the vet. And they to a reduced fee for a follow up. And I get blue light discount as well.

Yes I’ve had this just for a guinea pig. I could see the guinea was much better but took her to the follow up. Vet took 5 minutes to tell me she looked much better, £50 bill and asked me to go back again in another 2 weeks! I didn’t go.

Some vets charge for every consultation.
Some vets charge per episode, and the follow-ups for the same investigation/treatment aren't chargeable.

Mine is like the OPs and it's pay once per episode. This is not as unusual as some respondents are making it out to be.

Vets just act as money making machines.🙄

Why do they need a follow up? When I go to the GP they never insist on a follow up "to see how things are working". Surely if the medication is working that will be fairly obvious? If it isn't, you go back?

Our follow up appt is £3 cheaper than the consult. They’ve literally lifted an ear flap and said yup, that’s good- bye. 10 seconds. £63
and I do blame the vet then!

I don't!

My dog had an issue 2 weeks ago. Initial consult fee and meds.

Follow up appointment with more meds (only paid for meds £3!, no consult fee)

2nd follow up to sign off as OK. No payment.

Having premises costs them money to be fair

I don't take mine back if they are better

Yes very expensive, but they did study for years to get where they are?