The Importance of Patient Side Diagnostics
When it comes to patient care, diagnostic testing plays a critical role in your ability to determine an appropriate treatment plan and improve patient health. While many diagnostic tools are available in veterinary medicine, patient-side diagnostics provide some unique benefits. Their ability to offer quick results can dramatically reduce diagnostic time and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, patient-side diagnostics are often less expensive and provide financial benefits for both you and your clients.
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of patient-side diagnostics and a few tools you should consider incorporating into your practice.
Decreasing Diagnostic Time
One of the most significant benefits of patient-side diagnostics is the ability to get quick answers for your patients. When sending out samples for testing, it can take several days to receive results. Unfortunately, this can prolong the time it takes to reach a diagnosis and affect patient care. Not only is this detrimental to your patients, but it can also be frustrating for your clients. However, patient-side diagnostics allow you to obtain fast and reliable results.
Whether you are using a handheld device or a bench top tool, many diagnostic tools can be used in the clinic and provide results in minutes. Because of this, patient-side diagnostics play a critical role in helping you understand your patient’s condition and formulating an appropriate treatment plan. The speed and accuracy of these results are essential when dealing with critical patients where every minute counts.
While rapid results have many benefits, they also have their limitations. In some cases, patient-side diagnostics cannot tell the whole story, and additional testing may be necessary. However, the initial results from patient-side diagnostics can help direct further testing and narrow your differential list. Because of this, these in-clinic tools can still play an essential role in helping you reach a diagnosis sooner.
Improving Patient Care
In addition to providing timely answers, patient-side diagnostics can also improve patient care. The quicker you have answers, the quicker you can formulate a treatment plan and get your patients the care they need. This can help improve patient outcomes and, in some cases, may even be lifesaving.
These diagnostic tools can also improve patient care by increasing client compliance and making sure your patients receive the treatment they need. When owners have to wait days or weeks for test results, it can be challenging to get them to return for follow-up care. Patient-side diagnostics are easily performed in your clinic and provide immediate answers. This allows you to formulate a treatment plan and discuss the treatment options with your client during their initial visit.
A Financial Win for Both You and Your Clients
For many pet owners, the cost of diagnostic testing is a significant concern and can be a major obstacle in getting their pet treatment. Patient-side diagnostics are often more affordable and can increase the likelihood that your client will agree to testing. In more complicated cases, patient-side diagnostics can also help direct the diagnostic plan and limit the total amount of tests required. This can reduce the diagnostic costs for your client and allow their financial resources to be used for their pet’s treatment.
While reducing costs for your clients is a significant win, patient-side diagnostics can also provide financial benefits for your practice. For many veterinary clinics, the profit margin on send out tests is minimal. The tests themselves are often expensive, and your total charge has to include sample preparation and shipping. Because of this, in-clinic diagnostic tools can provide a greater financial return for your clinic.
While there is an upfront cost associated with purchasing diagnostic equipment, consistent use can help the equipment pay for itself. Over time, most practices see a significant return on their investment. Not only does this generate more income, but the improved care you are able to provide can help grow your business and keep clients coming back for years to come.
Incorporating Patient Side Diagnostics into Your Practice
When investing in diagnostic equipment, it’s important to consider what tools will provide the most value for your patients and practice. Inriquip Instruments is proud to offer a wide variety of diagnostic equipment to provide the best quality care for your patients. Here are a few of the instruments you should consider.
Refractometers are a great tool for measuring specific gravity and serum protein. While they are a staple for many veterinary practices, refractometers can be challenging to read and are prone to damage. This can decrease the accuracy of test results and is detrimental to patient care.
However, the Rhino VET360 Refractometer is a durable solution designed to withstand routine use and various weather conditions. With improved optics and automatic temperature compensation, the Rhino VET 360 provides quick and accurate results. The advanced temperature technology helps to improve diagnostic accuracy whether you are treating large animals in the field or companion animals in a clinic setting.
From cytology to histology, microscopes can help you perform a wide variety of diagnostic tests. While they can be a significant investment, the versatility of a microscope can make this equipment a valuable tool for your veterinary practice.
When purchasing a microscope for your clinic, it’s essential to consider what services you want to provide and how the microscope will be used. The Motic Series Microscopes offer a range of functions to improve your diagnostic testing and patient care. Our compound microscopes contain two lenses to improve magnification. We also offer stereoscopes with various stands and illumination systems.
Summary
Patient-side diagnostics play an important role in veterinary medicine and are an essential tool for your practice. By providing quick and accurate results, these tools can decrease diagnostic time and improve patient care. While there are many diagnostic tools to choose from, it’s essential to consider which tools will provide the most value for your patients and practice. Microscopes and refractometers have a variety of uses and are a great place to start when investing in diagnostic tools.
