Changes in Veterinary Telemedicine

Transforming the landscape of animal healthcare.

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Historically, Florida veterinarians have been required to establish a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) in person before diagnosing and treating a pet patient. However, on June 21, 2024, a groundbreaking bill was signed into law that allows veterinarians to establish a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) through telemedicine, provided they meet certain criteria to ensure the quality and safety of care.  

Naturally, pet owners are interested in knowing how this might change the way their pets receive veterinary care.

This shift marks a departure from the previous requirement to hold an initial in-person visit to establish VCPR and expands access to veterinary services through veterinary telemedicine across Florida. The new law includes provisions for secure digital communications, mandatory continuing education on telehealth practices for veterinarians, and guidelines to ensure compliance with state veterinary standards. This change is poised to greatly expand the reach of veterinary care and is expected to particularly benefit pet owners in remote or underserved areas. 

Under the new law, a veterinarian practicing veterinary telemedicine, must meet the following requirements:

• May not engage in the practice of veterinary telemedicine unless it is within the context of a veterinarian/client/patient relationship.
• Must practice within the scope of practice and prevailing professional standards as if they were providing in-person veterinary services to patients – using sound, professional judgement to determine whether veterinary telehealth is an appropriate method for delivering medical advice or treatment.
• May use veterinary telehealth to perform an initial patient evaluation to establish the veterinarian/client/patient relationship if the evaluation is conducted using a synchronous audiovisual communication. The evaluation may not be performed using audio only, text messaging, questionnaires, chatbots, or other similar means.
• If the telehealth consultation is sufficient to diagnose and treat the patient, the veterinarian is not required to research a patient’s medical history or conduct a physical examination of the patient before using veterinary telehealth to provide a veterinary health care service to the patient.
• The veterinarian still needs to maintain records which document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment and other relevant information.
• The veterinarian must be available to provide follow-up care and treatment if needed.
• The prescribing of medicines is limited and excludes controlled substances.

In this blog post we’ll explore three key areas in which this shift not only broadens the scope of veterinary care but also introduces new dynamics that Florida veterinary practices are taking into consideration.

Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience

Veterinary telemedicine has the potential to significantly expand access to care, particularly for pet owners in remote or underserved areas. With the ability to consult veterinarians from home, clients benefit from the convenience and reduced stress for their pets. This increased accessibility ensures that more animals receive timely medical attention and improves overall health outcomes.

Improved Efficiencies

By handling minor consultations, triage, and follow-up appointments remotely, veterinary practices can utilize telemedicine as a tool for reducing wait times and clinic congestion.  Veterinary telemedicine can help improve the quality of care provided to all patients.

Evolving Models of Care

Integrating telemedicine into traditional practices offers opportunities for increased access to veterinary care and monitoring. A hybrid model that combines in-person and remote services can cater to a wider range of client needs, ensuring access to comprehensive and flexible care that aligns with modern lifestyles.

As veterinary telemedicine continues to evolve, it presents opportunities to provide better health outcomes for pets and increased peace of mind for their owners. By adapting to this move toward virtual healthcare, veterinary practices can position themselves at the forefront of animal healthcare, delivering high-quality care in a rapidly changing world.

Consult Your Veterinarian for a Personalized Strategy

At Regal Animal Hospital, we strive to provide the highest standard of care . We take a balanced approach to ensure that your pet recieves the best possible care. Our dedicated team is committed to using the latest technology and methods to support your pet’s health and well-being, providing personalized and comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.