Payment Due at Time of Service

Implementation Date: 05/23/2014

Date of Last Revision: 08/15/2022

Next Review Due: 08/14/2025

Reviewed by VTH AdministrativeTeam/VTH Director Office: 05/21/2014

Reviewed by VTH Board/VTH Section Heads: 05/22/2014

Reviewed by Legal Counsel: N/A

Reviewed by Biosecurity Subcommittee: N/A

Subject to modification by the VTH Director without approval.

Policy

VTH clients are required to pay for all patient charges (drugs, supplies, hospitalization, procedures, etc.) at the time of discharge from the hospital. The only exceptions to this policy would be in circumstances where the client falls into one of the following categories:

1. Another veterinary clinic/hospital
2. Any governmental institution (police/fire departments)
3. Approved animal welfare organizations such as animal control, humane society, or ASPCA. (Does not include private/”self-proclaimed” rescue organizations or private citizens that foster rescued animals.)
4. Any contractual agency (i.e., zoos)
5. FARMS & equine clients who owe the VTH <$500 who are picking up drugs and/or supplies.
6. FARMS & equine clients with client account status of “Exempt” Additionally, where appropriate, sales tax must be charged on tangible goods (drugs and supplies) that are dispensed and/or used for companion animals including horses, unless the client is tax-exempt (Copy of Tax ID number is required).

Additionally, where appropriate, sales tax must be charged on tangible goods (drugs and supplies) that are dispensed and/or used for companion animals including horses unless the client is tax-exempt (A copy of the Tax ID number is required).

Guidelines

This policy is to ensure that all patient charges (drugs, supplies, hospitalization, procedures, etc.) are paid for at the time of discharge. It should be noted that the VTH does not facilitate third-party billing (i.e., insurance companies, coordination of individual donations to cover account balances, etc). In rare circumstances, the VTH administrative team may make an exception to facilitate payment through a 3rd party.

Procedure (if applicable)

If the client’s invoice is not paid in full at the time of discharge, the VTH Business Office will send an itemized invoice to the client and electronically forward the balance due amount to the office of the University General Accounts Receivable (GAR) for processing.

The Business Office is responsible for being in routine contact with the client to facilitate payment on any outstanding invoice. If the bill is not paid within 90 days, and following that time, the account will be turned over for collection.

Definitions (if applicable)

Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) – The collective clinical services of the Large Animal Clinic, Midwest Equine, the Small Animal Clinic, and the Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.