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CBC Marketplace- How vets are ripping us off!!
I just watched a CBC Marketplace expose (insert accent) on how vets are ripping pet owners off by marking up prescription drugs by as much as 450% in some cases. Did you know that when a vet prescribes a drug for your pet you can request a prescription slip and then fill it at a regular pharmacy? You can and you should. In England vets are required by law to disclose that you can fill your pet's prescription at a pharmacy and pay significantly less.
Here's the link to the story http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/ Very eye opening, but not entirely surprising.
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"One cat just leads to another." - Ernest Hemingway Meowy Meowers - Angus n' Finn - 5 yrs old Barky Barker - Skylar - 4 yrs old?? |
#2
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YIKES - I haven't gone to the story yet but just the fact of the markup is enough to make my blood curdle! I'll remember that whenever the vet says a prescription is needed!
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Bobby - June 15/04 - Aug 30/11 Amber 6.5 yr Golden girl Shadow 9 yr rumpy black ManxX boy |
#3
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Good for CBC!!
Some questions I have after watching the video though. The guy in the UK was talking about markup, but according to the newest Michael Moore documentary "Sicko," he interviews a UK pharmacist and learns that everyone pays only 6 pounds per prescription for humans, and free if over 65. And the British pharmacist in the CBC video was talking about mark up for pet prescriptions. I don't get it. The UK has it pretty smart actually. Too bad they are so hard up on controlling their population with cameras everywhere, a van that spies on homes to see if they've paid the TV tax, etc. I've always known that vets charge way too much on stuff. It's all up to the consumer to self educate. But like the reporter said, "Who will know to ask for a prescription?" That's all good for long term illnesses like diabetes, but what about medication that's needed now? When people are emotionally upset about the condition of their pets, their hold on the wallet is much much looser than it would be normally. What a crappy business practice! That's like comparing a car mechanic preying on a little old woman saying she needs some sort of a new part with a fancy schmancy fictitious title, just to weasel more money. Jerks! That's why this forum is so helpful. I wouldn't have seen that video unless it was posted here, so thanks for that. I didn't know that some pet medications are the same for people as pets, like the Thyroid. I know Synthroid for people is very inexpensive and wonder at the vet pricing for the same prescription.
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Sandy Belle Sheeba - born 11/14/07 at 12:30 pm Linx Jasper |
#4
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all i know is that 1 of my pups is now diabect!!! i thought it would be expensive the inslin, but my vet sells me 2 small bottles of canaslin that lasts me for 1 month for $8.34 ,and 30 needles for around $10.00 i think thats pretty good brenda and the pins.
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#5
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Did you see that guy who was making some kind of presentation to a vet conference? He actually said, we know how people are attached to their pets, willing to pay, how can we get a bigger piece of that? Shameful. Unfortunately, I fell asleep and missed the rest .
When I was at the vet's yesterday, they mentioned the program and seemed a bit nervous about any fallout . Good. |
#6
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Badger, if you go to www.cbc.ca/marketplace you can watch the video. Or else, the show is repeated:
Marketplace regularly airs on*: CBC Television Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sundays, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. CBC Newsworld Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Also, on their website (www.cbc.ca/marketplace) there's a place to click so you can comment on the show. |
#7
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Well, I can no longer afford anymore animals. Bonnie and Bru are it. It's rare I get out for under $200 anymore. Over the last year,I put out $700 for sweet Pepper. It means less in some other area since my husband lost his job. I've always been very diligent about my pets checkups and shots. What really makes me mad is I have been going to this vet for over 25 years but no help do I get. Pepper once had a growth on his tongue. It was $500 when they got through. It breaks my heart. I can imagine having no pets but our finances are dire right now.
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RIP My little Mitzie and my little Pepper 1993-2004 You will always,always be in my heart |
#8
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It's very hard. I just took my little Maks to the vet last night and paid $164, on top of about $184 last week to get them all dewormed and then another $566 the week before that when I first found Kiska and Maks.
It's hard and expensive and they take advantage that you are willing to do anything for your pet. I guess I am lucky in one respect. My vet seems to charge less for their prescriptions than if I were to get them on PetMeds.
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There are only two rules at my house: House rule #1. Cats rule. House rule #2. See rule #1. http://nuriaandthegang.shutterfly.com/ |
#9
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My coworker watched the show and told me about it this morning. Disgusting, I understand vets need to make money, but gouging is not called for.
Did they discuss mark up on human drugs at a pharmacy? Wonder how high those are. I know there are some humans that can't afford their meds because they don't have a medical plan. It is very sad.
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Cat maid to: Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs) Jasper RIP (2001-2018) Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014) Puddles RIP (1996-2014) Snowball RIP (1991-2005) In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb “While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey |
#10
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When I had Herbie in for his constipation a few weeks ago, compared to last year the costs were crazy. Last year for an enema $10, this year $20. Last year for overnight $15, this year $44. He was there for 3 days and 4 hours, they charged me for 4 days, in total cost me so far $750. I have an appointment for one of the dogs on Monday and I am going to bring it up with her, since she was not there when I went to pick him up.
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#11
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I didn't have time to watch the whole video but I did discover this myself, innocently and inadvertently, two years ago. My Vet clinic is great, the animal care is fabulous and the staff are wonderful. But I discovered that if I was going to the same Vet as my sister or my friend I could afford flea/worm treaments for six cats instead of four. In other words, my Vet charges 50% more than theirs do. Other things are much higher at my Vet's too, such as neutering, dental care and overnights. So I have been asking for prescriptions, as the video suggests, but watch out, your Vet may charge you for the script. Even with the script charge and shipping fees it was still much, much cheaper for me to order several items from the link below. It is a real walk-in drugstore in Toronto and I did walk in the first time, just to be really sure it is bonafide. And I think I will change to my friend's Vet. She thinks her Vet is great, fabulous and wonderful too.
http://www.petpharm.org/index-can.htm |
#12
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My vet is great,but I have been filling virtually all the scripts at human pharmacies for years.
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#13
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When I switched vets, I was surprised that the new one just gave me prescriptions to have filled at regular pharmacies, I never knew that the meds were actually the same stuff. The only medications he actually provides are things that aren't common for people, or dosages that aren't common, the rest you just get a prescription. I think it's a few dollars cheaper that way for the medication itself, but if you're not careful where you go the dispensing fees will get you and I found it can be even more expensive! Too bad I can't cover my doggy's prescriptions on my work drug plan.
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#14
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Quote:
I am new in the Oakville/Burlington area and am looking for a vet referral. Would you be able to email me the name of your clinic? oakville.girl@hotmail.com I am a new member to the board and am unable to use the PM functions. Thank you! |
#15
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Just sent it to you, Oakgirl!
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#16
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Thank You!
Thank you!
Our dog Kelsa is due for her shots in March and was trying to find a new vet before that time! I will give them a call. Thank you! |
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