Richland Animal Hospital

Review: I made an appointment specifically for a rabies shot only, with no other services needed and was quoted how much the visit would be. I made sure to ask that there would be no other fees charged and the receptionist put me on hold to ask, then returned to me saying that would be all. On the day of the visit after the shots, we were charged $39.00 for a "wellness exam". When I told them that I had already been told that I would not be charged any other fee they claimed maybe it was "the new hire" and it is standard procedure to always do a wellness exam. I ended by paying their fees.Desired Settlement: I would like to be refunded the $39.00 charge that was not apart of the original price I was told.

Business

Response:

During the week of July 1-5 the owners had phoned our hospital to schedule a rabies immunization. My most recent assistant was covering the front desk phone while our regular receptionist was assisting another client to the car with their pet. An appointment time was found that suited her and the owner then inquired how much the rabies immunization cost. My assistant asked if she needed a one year or a three year vaccination as the prices for the two differ. My assistant then asked our technician available how much a 3 yr. rabies vaccination cost as was inquired. This price for the vaccine was quoted over the phone to the owner. The owner did not inquire if there were any additional charges for an exam.

On July 10th the owner came in for the appointment and was charged the standard exam fee of $39,00 and the vaccine administration lee For a 3 yr. rabies vaccine oI'$26,00, During the exam the doctor noticed that according to our record the owner never finished the puppy vaccine series or the original one year rabies vaccine. She reported she had the spay and 1 year rabies done elsewhere. The owner was asked if she would like to have the booster administered for the distcmpcr/parvo complex vaccine. The owner asked the price of the vaccine and was told by the doctor the price of $18.00 to administer it. She then authorized the doctor to update the vaccine. Never during the appointment scheduling conversation or the appointment with the pet did the owner inquire about any total charges or other fees for the exam.

Tt is standard practice at this hospital for every pet to receive a thorough physical exam be lore any immunization is administered to insure they are healthy enough to receive the immunization. We will not just administer an immunization without an exam. The wellness fee of $39.00 covers this full physical exam versus a standard office call of $61.00. Since each pet’s recommended immunization schedule differs, a fee for each of the different vaccines to be administered is then charged after the exam as some years no immunizations are needed for certain pets.