The Virtues of Virtual Training

By: Robin Brown

We all understand the value of well-trained staff members, but traditional training can be costly and time-consuming- especially if it involves travel expenses and time away from the clinic.

As a result, many veterinary practices are leaning toward e-learning programs, or virtual training. Virtual training simply means that educational content is delivered by electronic means rather than a traditional classroom setting. Thanks to the Internet, virtual training is becoming more and more popular among busy veterinary practices.

Virtual training has many virtues:

• It's cost-effective. High course fees, instructor costs, travel expenses, and time spent away from normal job duties are no longer a problem.
• It's convenient. Staff members have the flexablity to train anytime, anywhere (provided they have an Internet connection).
• It's consistant. Training materials and course content are the same for every participant.

That's why McAllister Software Systems joined forces with VetMedTeam to offer a series of online AVImark courese as part of the VetMedTeam C.E. catalog. We figured it was another great way to help our clinics use AVImark to its fullest potential, while reducing training costs and increasing overall productivity. We also thought it would be a nice addition to our other virtual training methods, including our Training CDs, webinars, and online certification courses.

More than twenty AVImark courses are currently available via the VetMedTeam course catalog, covering individual AVImark features such as appointment and boarding calendars, inventory lists, treatment lists, reminders, whiteboards, estimates, and invoicing. Once courses are open, veterinarians and their staff can access them at any time during a twele-week session.

For more information please vist our website at www.avimark.net/training/elearning, or visit http://www.vetmedteam.com/classes.aspx to sign up.

Robin Brown is Director of Training and communications at McAllister Software Systems. She developed the AVImark training program for the company's in-house tech support staff, and she uses her expertise to conduct external training sessions for AVImark customers. She can be reached at robin.brown@avimark.net.

GlobalVet is now AVImark

By Jesica Hurrienarain

At the recent South African Veterinary and Para- Veterinary Association congress in Drakensburg, GlobalVet veterinary software was officially renamed AVImark.

You probably knew that GlobalVet was essentially the same program as AVImark, with all of the features and functions. It just had a different name and specific international settings. Changing the name really didn't change much else, except provide you with greater access to service, support, and updates.

It turns out that the Congress was an excellent platform to announce this change. It gave us the opportunity to network with current and prospective customers and to understand their views, insights, and suggestions relating to veterinary software.

Even though change isn't always easy, we think the switch from GlobalVet to AVImark will bring some great advantages for you. The name change has been coordinated with the release of the next software upgrade (version 2010.4), so our support team is available to help you achieve a smooth transition.

Once the upgrade is complete, you'll be able to take advantage of a host of benefits:

• Local and global training and support. Our local sales, tech support, and training in Durban is still available, but you can also access all of the information, training, and award-winning support that's available on www.avimark.net/southafrica. Think of it this way... you're now part of a community of 9,500+ AVImark users workdwide.
• Regular AVImark updates and faster access to new versions of AVImark, since a sepatate version of the software will no longer be necessary for South Africa.
• Easier access to other practice management tools from McAllister Software Systems, such as MSS Data Vault, VPR, and Practice Builder. They are desined to inegrate smoothly with AVImark for even greater practice efficiency.

Just in case you were wondering, one thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to the South African market. This name change- and the added service and support that you will receive- is a strong step toward helping you use AVImark to its fullest capacity for years to come.

Jesica Hurrienarain is the sales and marketing manager for McAllister's Sugar Creek Software in Durban, South Africa. She can be reached at 011-27 31 266 8815 or jesica.za@avimark.net.

New-and-Improved Infromation Search Capabilities

By Barbara Betsch

While knowledge is certainly the key to success, information over load can be the quickest way to get lost in useless data. Practice Management Consultant Bob Stevens says AVImark's information search capbility is "second to none." However, we've improved this useful tool even further to help you search and find just the right amount of useable data for your practice.

AVImark's enhanced Information Search feature came out earlier this year and is available in versions 2010.4 and higher. Our specific enhancements include:

• An improved design that's segmented into three main areas: Search Criteria (filtering stage). Reporting Criteria (sorting stage), and Search Results (output stage)
• Greater searching ability that allows you to search more areas within the veterinary software program, including the treatment list, estimate list, and appointment calendar. (Previously, these areas were not included in general searches.)
• Easier output, so reported criteria can be organized by 'drag and drop."
• Expanded exporting options that allow users to export using Excel and select the location where the CSV file should be saved.
• Separate search window that can remain open at the same time as Client Information Display (CID).

If you've upgraded to one of the 2010 versions of AVImark, you've probably noticed these improvements already. If not, go ahead and try them out. You'll be able to sort and filter your information quickly into easy-to-read customized reports.

The enhaced information search is just one more reason why AVImark is the industry's leading veterinary software. We are committed to providing cutting-edge technology to help your practice thrive.

Barbara Betsch is an AVImark senior technician at MSS and loves to search for answers! You can reach Barbara at barbarab@avimark.net.

Save time... with AVImark shortcuts!

By Bardara Betsch

Are you looking to save time?

Who isn't?

The old saying that time is money had never rung truer than in today's economy. Saving time saves money, so we designed AVImark Veterinary Software to promote efficiency by use of strategic shortcuts and streamlined processes. Here are some shortcuts that will help you use AVImark to its fullest capacity while saving time and money in the process:

Shortcut #1: Inserting glossy text in a notes window. Instead of using your mouse to insert the text of a glossy entry into a notes window in AVImark, simply type in the code of that glossy entry and then hit your shift key and your space bar. This will replace the glossy code with the glossy notes for that entry in the notes window.

Shortcut #2: Adding medical history entries to more than one patient. To add medical history entries to multiple patients that belong to one client, simply left-click on one patient's name and hit the F7 key (Function 7). Use your mouse to left-click and your Ctrl key to select or highlight all the patient names for which you wish to add medical history entries. Then right-click on one of the highlighted names and select the optioin to add: treatment, inventory and diagnoses.

Shortcut #3: Toggle between an open medical condition record and the CID. Open a medical condition recordm, use the ALT+M key combination to toggle between the medical condition record and the CID.

Shortcut #4: posting medical history to accounting. To quickly post medical history to accounting from the Client area, Patient area, or Medical History, simply hit the F8 key (Function 8).

Shortcut #5: Hiding the amount column in medical history. To toggle between seeing and hiding the amount column in medical history, use the Ctrl and the P key. This function is computer-specific.

Barbara Betsch is an AVImark senior technician at MSS and loves to save time! You can reach Barbara at barbarab@avimark.net.

Why you should "like" AVImark on Facebook

from Ciera Baker

AVImark wants to be your friend- you're Facebook friend! Launched in April, the AVImark Facebook page further enhances the AVImark online created by our Yahoo User Group and AVImark Forum.

But for those that love Facebook (like me!), it's the best way to follow everything you like about AVImark. AVImark users can find up-to-date information, upcoming events, and alerts. Daily posts are made by trainig, support, and the marketing team.

The Facebook page will also show you what other customers are saying about their AVImark experience. On Facebook, you have the opportunity to comment on any subject we post, so if you have a question about an event, you can post it and receive an answer. Facebook also allows you to communicate with other veterinarians who "like" AVImark's Facebook page as well.

As an AVImark Facebook friend, you'll have first access to monthly specials, insights on training events, tradeshow reminders, and other news. And if we find something interesting in the industry, we'll post it for you to read.

Click on the link below to "like" the AVImark Facebook page and take advantage of the great information we have available. We hope you'll be our friend.


Ciera Baker is the marketing assistant at McAllister Software Systems, and she hopes you love Facebook as much as she does. You can reach Ciera at ciera@avimark.net.

Bear River Veterinary Clinic selects AVImark for advanced features, ease of use

Marks 10,000th copy of AVImark sold since 1989.

On March 30, 2010, McAllister Software Systems sold the 10,000th copy of AVImark veterinary software. Today we are welcoming Bear River Veterinary Clinic to the AVImark family.

Bear River began researching software programs when its current program became complicated and cost prohibitive. When staff members began to expand their usage of the software, they found many advanced features such as electronic medical records, inventory tracking, and follow-up reminders required the purchase of additional packages. And these features were incredibly cumbersome to use.

So, Bear River staff contacted more than 50 veterinary clinics to find out which programs were being used by other clinics. Most were using AVImark and spoke very highly of the veterinary software. When Bear River downloaded the free demonstration of AVImark, staff members were very pleased with the combination of robust features and ease-of-use.

According to Dr. Eric Dent, one of three veterinarians at Bear River, features that were very complicated in Bear River's old software were easy in AVImark. They only had to purchase one copy of the software, which was loaded on all seven of their terminals, including two laptops that travel with the doctors into the field when they treat horses and cattle. Best of all - they didn't have to purchase additional packages to get the features they wanted.

"We are most excited about using AVImark's inventory features - we'll implement that immediately," said Dr. Dent. "We're also excited about the ability to store a series of fees for each treatment, which will allow us to create estimates and invoices much more quickly and will eliminate missed charges. In the future, we'll likely start using the integration with laboratory equipment and will eventually convert to paperless medical records."

If your clinic is interested in exploring AVImark further, please feel free to download a free demonstration at www.avimark.net/gtka/download-a-free-demo . Or contact me at 1-877-838-9273 Ext. 387 or aaronr@avimark.net - I'll help you see why AVImark is the best-selling veterinary software in the industry.

Aaron Rayfield, AVImark sales manager, worked with Dr. Dent at Bear River Veterinary Clinic to secure this notable sale. He can be reached at aaronr@avimark.net .

Connect with clients faster. Keep them longer.

Make your website a powerful client communication tool.
By Rob McAllister

Part 2: Use you website to keep clients coming back.

My previous post discussed the importance of having a good website for your veterinary practice, and helping prospective clients find you online through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Once prospective clients find you online, however, your web site must make a great first impression, with a strong design, helpful information, and ease of use. Your home page is like a job interview: Prospective clients will evaluate your business based on how professional your site is.

An effective website can help your clinic communicate effectively and efficiently with new and current customers. This can save money as well as generate revenue. An effective site can help reduce the time your staff spends on basic information requests. Increasing service awareness and increasing compliance can directly increase revenues. Furthermore, you can reduce costs by eliminating other forms of marketing and advertising and using online reminders, blog postings, and online newsletters instead, via your website.

At PetWise we understand that your customer relationships make your business a success. Establishing a good rapport with customers is essential, and our websites help maintain that rapport in the digital world, through a number of advanced yet cost-effective features, including:

• Integration with AVImark software to display pet health information and reminders online
• Facilitating online appointment and boarding requests
• Email reminders and birthday notices
• Clinic blogs and other community pages
• Online newsletters and client education materials

In addition, PetWise websites don't bounce your clients from place; we keep your clients on your site to create a contiguous user experience that maintains your dialogue with your client. PetWise websites create an environment where you and your clients interact, without getting in the middle of the conversation. As you attract new customers to a website where they are welcomed and engaged, your business will grow.

For more information about how PetWise site services can help your practice, visit http://www.petwisewebsites.com/ .

Rob McAllister is senior director of special projects and McAllister Software Systems. He can be reached at robm@avimark.net .

Connect with clients faster. Keep them longer.

Make your web site a powerful client communication tool.
By Rob McAllister

Part 1: Use your web site to attract new clients.

These days it's rare to find someone who isn't online for some reason- searching for information, shopping, playing games, socializing, or doing business. Given the breath of the Internet and the diversity of its use, there is absolutely no excuse not to have a good web site for your veterinary practice.

If you are still wondering whether a good web site can do anything for your business, take a look at the results of a recent study conducted by Georgia Tech: Nearly 85% of all U.S. households have Internet access, and more than 90% of users say they find business and services through Internet search engines.

In another words, 76.5% of your community's population turns to the Internet to find veterinary services. That makes the Yellow Pages a bit outdated.

But, it's not enough to just have a web site. In order for your web site to be useful, your potential clients need to be able to find you online. You can help your web site "get found" more easily through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is today's version of techno-magic: You hire an SEO expert, they work their "magic" behind the scenes, and you're suddenly number one on Google.

At PetWise, we understand SEO, and we've built our PetWise web site services with SEO in mind. Our content management system takes some of the power from the SEO magicians and puts it in your hands, at a very cost-effective price. That frees you up to do what you do best- practice medicine.

For more information about how PetWise web site services can help your practice, visit http://www.petwisewebsites.com/ .

Rob McAllister is senior director of special projects and McAllister Software Systems. He can be reached at robm@avimark.net .

Looking back on 2009, and ahead to 2010

Use AVImark to track your dollars and cents.
By Barbara Betsch

It's time to make your New Year's Resolution! And the best place to start is with a snapshot of last year's productivity.

AVImark's reports help you view multiple aspects of your business, helping you better understand your transactions during 2009. Some great reporting options include:

• The Period Totals Report shows a condensed financial overview. Different aspects of the year are represented in this report, such as average invoice total for specific time periods, state and local taxes, total payments received by type, and the totals for the provides production (paid and unpaid charges on posted accounting).
• The Inventory Report shows stock value which is the on-hand quantity multiplied by the average cost of an item. To find the value at the end of the year or the beginning of business on the first working day of the New Year. ( You can't go back and print this report for a date in the past, as AVImark does not store past on-hand quantities.) This report also shows other information about your inventory items, including unit and package costs and selling price. If your fiscal year does not follow the calendar, you can select your fiscal year starting date in the Advanced Options of Hospital Setup.
• The Transaction Summary Report lists quantitative data about the codes that are entered into medical history and then posted to accounting. Details such as income generated, usage expense, and the percentage that each code contributed to its category total can be located on this report.

As your trusted partner, committed to your success, we want to help you use these reports so you can develop a better understanding of where you have been, where you stand and where you want to go.

Please contact our technical support for any assistance or additional questions.

Barbare Betsch is an AVImark/MSS senior technician at MSS and is full of resolutions for 2010. You can reach Barbara at barbarab@avimark.net .