Workers’ compensation insurance is a necessary cost. Many practice leaders assume this cost is fixed, but several factors can influence rates that could be quietly eating into the clinic’s bottom line. Three behind-the-scenes factors can significantly increase your workers’ comp insurance costs, resulting in over-payments of up to $20,000 per year. Let’s break down how claims, overtime, and 1099 contractors impact veterinary workers’ compensation and how partnering with VSS can help you avoid these pitfalls. 1. Injury claims Veterinary medicine is physically demanding. Team members lift heavy patients, crawl on the floor, and handle anxious or fearful pets who are armed with teeth and claws. Working long hours in these conditions increases the likelihood of injuries. However, one workers’ compensation claim can increase insurance costs. Your veterinary workers’ compensation premium is based on payroll and claims history. Insurers use something called an experience modification rate (EMR) to measure the riskiness of your business compared to others in the same industry. Every practice starts with an EMR of 1.0, which represents the industry average. If you’ve had fewer injuries or claims than expected, your EMR falls below 1.0, and your premiums go down. If you’ve had more claims than average, your EMR rises above 1.0, and your premiums go up. For example, if your EMR is 1.10, that means you’re paying 10% more for workers’ comp insurance than a similar clinic with fewer claims. That doesn’t seem like much, but it can add up. Depending on your state, a base premium may run $5,000 to $10,000 for every $100,000 of payroll. If your practice has $1 million in payroll, a 10% increase due to injury claims can add $5,000 to $10,000 every year. Injuries often occur among team members who are overtired or overextended. Relief staffing from VSS can ensure your core team gets the breaks they need to stay safe and can help to limit workers’ comp premiums. 2. Overtime Overtime is a short-term solution that may have long-term costs. Veterinary workers' compensation premiums are partially based on total payroll, including overtime. Every extra hour of time-and-a-half increases insurable payroll and, therefore, premiums. Additionally, overtime contributes to fatigue, which leads to mistakes and injuries. Tired employees are more likely to slip, lift incorrectly, or miss signs that a pet is about to bite. If your staff is overextended, it may be time to consider a relief coverage strategy. 3. 1099 contractors Relief team members can provide regular team members the help they need to reduce burnout and limit workers’ comp claims, but hiring them as 1099 contractors can create other issues. Misclassifying these workers can increase your veterinary workers' compensation costs. A 1099 contractor is responsible for their own taxes and insurance, including workers’ compensation. But if that person functions like an employee—they follow your schedule, use your equipment, and work under your supervision—then they likely meet the legal definition of an employee. This gets confusing, and if something goes wrong, your practice could be held liable. When a relief worker without private workers’ comp insurance gets injured on the job, you could face: A claim against your policy or a lawsuit for damages A payroll review that triggers retroactive premium charges Fines or penalties from your state labor board or tax authorities Relief staffing the right way Workers’ compensation protects your business, but you could be paying significantly more than necessary if you make mistakes classifying employees, have team members regularly working overtime, or fail to address safety issues that lead to injuries and claims. Relief staffing—done the right way—can be a game-changer for busy veterinary practices. When you work with a staffing service like VSS, team members are employees of the service, not your hospital. That means you’re off the hook for veterinary workers’ comp coverage, legal risk, and misclassification. Contact us to find out how our relief professionals and additional business support services, including medical-grade laundry and inventory consulting, can help you save money and thrive in the veterinary space.

In the world of veterinary medicine, certain practices and beliefs have been passed down through generations of professionals and become ingrained. One such practice is the notion of "washing it twice"—the idea that to ensure cleanliness and safety, certain items or surfaces should be washed not once, but twice. This mantra has become commonplace, particularly in situations where contamination is suspected, like dealing with potential pathogens such as parvovirus or leptospirosis. But where did this practice originate and, more importantly, is its effectiveness based on science? Why do veterinary professionals believe in “washing it twice?” Veterinarians and veterinary technicians often adhere to this principle out of instinct, without necessarily questioning origins or efficacy. It's a reflex response to the desire for thorough cleanliness, especially with potentially hazardous substances. Moreover, in fields like veterinary medicine where contamination can have dire consequences, we are naturally inclined toward extra caution. Washing a load of dirty laundry twice may feel like an added layer of protection, despite the lack of a scientific rationale. However, critically evaluating such practices, especially when they consume resources and time without clear benefits, is essential. In the case of washing laundry or surfaces twice, it's worth questioning whether the second wash truly adds any value beyond the first wash. The question then arises—why do we believe that washing items twice is effective when no concrete evidence supports the notion? The answer lies in a combination of tradition, anecdotal evidence and, perhaps, a dash of superstition. Over time, the repetition has cemented this practice as a standard procedure in many veterinary settings, perpetuated by word of mouth rather than empirical data. Does the theory behind “washing it twice” have any backing? The absence of published papers or guidelines from authoritative bodies (i.e., the AVMA, CDC, or AAHA) endorsing the notion of washing items twice raises doubts about its validity. Without official or scientific backing, the practice becomes akin to a ritualistic belief—like knocking on wood—rather than a proven method of hygiene. Why is the theory behind “washing it twice” a problem? The absence of formal guidelines or published studies should prompt reassessment of our beliefs and practices. Something may have been done a certain way for years, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best or most efficient method. In the absence of empirical evidence, the veterinary community must encourage and support research that investigates the efficacy of such practices. Without data-driven insights, we risk perpetuating myths and potentially wasting valuable resources on ineffective protocols. Similarly, in other veterinary practice areas, such as inventory management, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs or practices is essential. The notion of a 10% variance in controlled substances, for instance, may be widely accepted among veterinary professionals, but without the support of concrete regulations or guidelines from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it remains a misconception that could lead to compliance issues and inefficiencies. How can we do away with the “washing it twice” theory? So, where do we go from here? How do we navigate the murky waters of unsubstantiated beliefs in our professional practices? The first step is awareness. By acknowledging the lack of evidence supporting certain practices, we open the door to critical examination and potential improvement. In the case of "washing it twice," veterinary professionals should consider reevaluating their cleaning protocols based on evidence-based practices rather than tradition alone. This may involve conducting studies to determine the most effective methods of decontamination or relying on guidelines established by reputable organizations like the AVMA, CDC, or AAHA. The idea of "washing it twice" in veterinary practices may have persisted over time, but its effectiveness remains questionable in the absence of scientific evidence. It's time for the veterinary community to critically evaluate such practices and embrace evidence-based approaches to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for patients and practitioners. Let's leave superstition at the door and welcome a new era of informed decision-making in veterinary medicine. To do anything well, you should do it right the first time. Ensuring a job is completed fully, accurately, and efficiently the first time conserves critical resources, time, and energy. For a medical-grade clean—the first time—contact our Veterinary System Services team to handle your hospital’s laundry.

In the ever-evolving landscape of veterinary practice, compensation remains a cornerstone concern for professionals. However, the perception of compensation often revolves solely around the dollars per hour figure, and the intricacies and nuances that truly define comprehensive remuneration packages are overlooked. As our Veterinary System Services team looks back at the lessons gleaned from the past years, we see that a paradigm shift in how veterinary professionals perceive and negotiate their compensation is clearly necessary. Relief service competition: Navigating the terrain Previously, although Veterinary System Services did not have a great deal of competition in the relief services market, we long anticipated the advent of competition in this niche corner of the industry. As veterinary professionals and practices rely more and more on relief services so their teams can maintain a positive work-life balance and battle staffing shortages, new companies have emerged. The true challenge for VSS and all relief veterinary professionals has emerged, not from the competition itself, but the misconceptions surrounding compensation. Despite offering unparalleled benefits, we found ourselves confronted with professionals swayed by the allure of superficially high hourly wages offered by competitors. This phenomenon underscores a critical issue—the pervasive misunderstanding of compensation dynamics within the veterinary community. Beyond dollars per hour: Unveiling the true worth of compensation At the heart of the matter lies the fallacy of equating compensation solely with dollars per hour. The prevailing notion that a higher hourly rate translates to superior compensation is flawed and warrants reevaluation. Actual compensation encompasses a multifaceted spectrum of benefits and perks, each contributing to the overall value received by employees. The best way to evaluate compensation is to adjust the hourly wage by factoring in benefits and detracting the costs of providing services. Dispelling misconceptions: Unraveling the gig economy illusion The rise of the gig economy has perpetuated the myth that monetary compensation alone defines the worth of one's time and effort. However, this myopic viewpoint fails to account for the deductions and hidden costs associated with ostensibly lucrative hourly rates. In reality, the compensation’s true value extends far beyond nominal figures and encompasses essentials such as insurance coverage and paid time off. For example, a practice may be offering a relief veterinarian $100 per hour, but no benefits. This means the relief vet must foot the bill for insurance policies, fund their own retirement plan with no employer match, and go without compensation when they take a vacation. By the time all these costs are subtracted from their hourly wage, they likely have only a half or two-thirds left. Reframing the narrative: Maximizing compensation for veterinary professionals To navigate the complexities of compensation effectively, veterinary professionals must adopt a holistic approach that transcends the allure of superficially high hourly wages. Rather than fixating on nominal figures, you should prioritize comprehensive benefits packages that enhance your overall well-being and financial security. By reframing the narrative, professionals can optimize their earning potential and safeguard their long-term financial stability. Understanding the true benefits: A roadmap to enhanced compensation Contrary to popular belief, insurance coverage does not equate to a tangible benefit if deductions are taken from hourly wages. True benefits entail provisions, such as employer-paid insurance premiums and generous paid-time-off policies, that afford employees financial security and peace of mind. By prioritizing these fundamental compensation components, veterinary professionals can ensure that their time and effort yield substantive rewards. The path forward: Empowering veterinary professionals to advocate for true compensation As we reflect on the lessons learned in 2024, we see that a fundamental shift in perspective is imperative to redefine the notion of compensation within the veterinary industry. By transcending the narrow confines of dollars per hour and embracing a comprehensive approach to remuneration, professionals can secure their financial well-being and fortify the integrity of the veterinary profession as a whole. It is incumbent upon veterinary employers and employees to collaborate and foster an environment that values and prioritizes true compensation, which will ensure a brighter future for all stakeholders. By recognizing the inherent value of comprehensive benefits packages and advocating for their inclusion in employment negotiations, veterinary professionals can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future. Learn how Veterinary System Services offers transparency when calculating true compensation for relief veterinary professionals by discussing employment with our team.