Communicating choices: Supporting informed decisions in veterinary emergencies
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
Whether you practice in a general, urgent, or emergency setting, you undoubtedly see pets presenting for unexpected health problems. Research suggests that 1 in 3 pet families would struggle to pay for an unexpected veterinary bill of $500 or less. At the same time, the cost of care continues to rise as pet families face economic uncertainty—leading many to delay care or make difficult decisions under stress. But how do we really know what the options are, and how can we discuss the trade-offs as we offer treatment and diagnostic choices across a range from basic to advanced? We’ll also explore ways to incorporate financial options that help make care more accessible without compromising patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Review evidence-based diagnostic and treatment options for common urgent and emergency conditions in dogs and cats.
- Discuss factors that influence care decisions, including client resources and goals, pet-specific factors, and leveraging a community of care.
- Explore practical strategies for communication and financial options that support informed decisions and improve access to care using clinical scenarios.
Emily M. Tincher, DVM
Senior Director of Pet Health, Nationwide
Dr. Emily M. Tincher, Senior Director of Pet Health at Nationwide, is a collaborative and data-informed leader who advocates for a pet-parent-centered approach to communication and medicine through spectrum of care methods. She is a second-generation veterinarian and a 2016 graduate of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing a rotating internship, she worked as an emergency practitioner in a specialty referral hospital near Philadelphia while serving as a Field Veterinarian for Nationwide, speaking at
veterinary schools through a program affiliated with the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA). She has also practiced in small animal emergency and general practice and continues to work clinically through ER relief.
As the Senior Director of Pet Health at Nationwide, Dr. Tincher oversees operations and strategy in pet health programs, animal health industry
relationships, and outreach to veterinary students and veterinary teams. She has become a sought-after speaker, most recently on spectrum of care topics, presenting at major veterinary conferences across the country.
Dr. Tincher serves on the AVMA Early Career Development Committee, is President of the Board of Directors for the Veterinary Leadership Institute, and is on the Veterinary Innovation Summit Planning Committee.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
This activity is sponsored by Nationwide.
