Dentists are experts at forward booking patients’ next exams. Veterinary receptionists should embrace this proven business strategy. Tell clients at checkout, “Just as your dentist has you schedule your next appointment at checkout, we do the same so we can proactively manage your pet’s health. Dr. <Name> can see you on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. or Friday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. for your pet’s next checkup. Which choice fits your schedule? We will remind you two weeks in advance in case you need to make changes.” The 2013 AAHA State of the Industry report estimated that moving the percent of forward booked appointments from 5 percent to 10 percent could generate $40,000 in additional revenue for a typical veterinary clinic (about 3 percent more in revenue growth) and a total of $350 million dollars in additional preventive care revenue for the profession as a whole. For tips on forward booking, watch a 5-minute video tip below: For more tips, go to my YouTube channel, CSVets, here.
