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 veterinarians will be capped at £21 under new rule changes, as part of a series of measures to be implemented over the coming months. These changes, legally required for vet practices, include disclosing cheaper online options, providing price estimates before treatment, and publishing service price lists.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) introduced the regulations following an investigation revealing prices had risen nearly twice the rate of inflation. However, critics argue that the impact will be most felt by independent veterinarians and will favor the six companies owning over two-thirds of practices. The CMA's regulations, now legally binding, give veterinarians up to a year to comply with all changes.
Larger vet groups and corporations are likely to benefit most from the new rules. Independent vet service owner Cate Titterton believes prices for services, consultations, and surgeries will likely increase as a result. Clive Di Giorgio, who sought treatment for a dog that was initially misdiagnosed with cancer, welcomes the changes, hoping for a more transparent and affordable veterinary market.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
