AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Profitability and Financial Benefits of Acupuncture in Small Animal Private Practice

Danielle Marks DVM; Justin Shmalberg DVM, DACVN

Abstract

Solicited survey responses were returned from five general veterinary practices in central Florida who offer acupuncture and from primary care/acupuncture clients of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Responses were used to evaluate profitability of acupuncture and clients’ perception of the service. Acupuncture appointments were priced from $45-$150 at surveyed practices (mean $95.80). Average labor/materials costs for a 30 minute acupuncture appointment were estimated at $50.65. A total of 68% surveyed acupuncture clients and 65% primary care clients responded that they would be more likely to use a veterinarian who offered acupuncture. Hospitals reported a mean of 29% of clients who come exclusively for acupuncture, eventually use the hospital for other veterinary care. Acupuncture was considered an effective treatment for their pet in 94% of acupuncture clients. These limited results suggest that acupuncture can have a direct impact on a practice’s ability to attract new clients, as well as improve current client satisfaction. Acupuncture appears to be profitable, although a large number of acupuncture appointments weekly is needed for to have a significant direct contribution to gross revenues. Acupuncture may provide greater intangible value by serving as a “feeder center”. The surveyed practices were not tracking specific metrics of financial and client retention impacts of acupuncture. Such information is critical for hospitals to evaluate profitability of an acupuncture service. The low rate of survey responses in the present investigation suggests larger studies are needed to establish more reliable averages and benchmarks.

Keywords
Citation
Marks D, Shmalberg J. Profitability and financial benefits of acupuncture in small animal private practice. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2015; 10(1):43-48

Profitability and Financial Benefits of Acupuncture in Small Animal Private Practice

Danielle Marks DVM; Justin Shmalberg DVM, DACVN

Did you previously purchase this document?  Or do you have an All Access Pass?

You must first log in to access your prior purchases.

Simply click the gold “Login” button at the top or click over to the Profile page and log in.

Get this for FREE!

Purchase an All Access Pass and EVERYTHING on this site is included automatically

Searching...