Vet prescription fees capped under rule changes
Vets must also tell clients if cheaper medicine is available online as part of the rule updates which surgeries have the coming months to bring in.
Written prescription fees from veterinary practices will be capped at £21 as part of new rule changes requiring practices to implement the measures over the coming months. In addition to capping fees, veterinarians must inform clients about cheaper online medicine options, provide price estimates before treatment, and publish price lists for services.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) implemented these measures following an investigation revealing prescription prices rising nearly twice the rate of inflation. Critics argue the changes will disproportionately impact independent veterinarians and benefit the six firms controlling over two-thirds of practices. Vets have a year to comply with all changes.
Other updates include publishing comprehensive price lists for standard services, providing written treatment estimates for fees over £500, and disclosing group or independent status. The CMA's chair, Martin Coleman, stated the changes aim to inform pet owners about prices, while independent vet owner Cate Titterton expects increased costs for customers.
Dr. Rob Williams of the British Veterinary Association noted many practices are already working with the CMA's guidelines, emphasizing the need to avoid disproportionate impacts on smaller practices. Clive Di Giorgio, whose dog's rash was initially misdiagnosed as cancer, welcomed the changes, expressing frustration with veterinary practices prioritizing profit over animal care.
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