FIVP calls for change amid CMA consultation
FIVP says independent practices should use the investigation to prove their position as trusted partners in the sector.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has submitted a response to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as the government department seeks to launch a market investigation.
In the response, published on its website, FIVP has called for optimism from independent practices, stating that the review provides an ‘opportunity’ for practices to improve standards of care and promote healthy competition.
The non-profit organisation, which represents independent veterinary practices across the country, has urged the CMA’s investigation to ensure clearer representation of ownership of practices. The CMA’s initial review found that four of the six corporate groups were not changing the branding of the independent practices they acquired.
Furthermore, FIVP has pressed for greater clarity of the ownership and incentives received for referrals to associated businesses, such as referrals centres and external cremation services.
Although FIVP states that the profit margins within independent practices have remained consistent in the past five years, it believes that better transparency of pricing across both corporate-owned and independent practices could facilitate fairer competition.
As well as pricing structures ahead of treatment, this would include the pricing of subsequent procedures, detailing different treatment levels rather than promoting that of the highest cost. The organisation reflects that this transparency could pose a challenge, considering a wide range of procedures, species and requirements.
The response additionally calls for a review of prescription fees, and better distinguished differences between prescribing and writing a prescription.
FIVP believes that the investigation will not only serve to ensure fairer competition and consumer protection within the veterinary industry, but also allows independent practices the opportunity to improve their own practices.
The organisation says that independent practices should use the CMA’s recommendations to prove their commitment to quality service provision and ethical practices.
The recommendations could also be used by the practices to evaluate their own operations and identify areas for improvement. FIVP believes this will better position independent practices as professional and trusted partners in the veterinary sector.
In its closing remarks, FIVP writes: “Overall, embracing the insights and recommendations of the CMA’s review can help independent veterinary practices navigate the evolving landscape of the sector, foster healthy competition, and ultimately contribute to the well-being of animals and pet owners.”
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FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.
