Client-Patient-Veterinarian relationship

A client-patient-veterinarian (CPV) relationship occurs when a veterinarian has physically examined a pet for the purpose of diagnosing any medical condition that may be present. Having performed this examination, the veterinarian is able to prescribe medication to treat the condition. Having a CPV is required for a veterinarian to prescribe heartworm prevention medication such as Heartgard Plus, Interceptor and Sentinel to healthy pets as well.

Having a CPV in order to prescribe medications for a pet is a requirement in every state. In order to establish a CPV, the pet must be examined at least once a year.

Even though a CPV is required to prescribe heartworm preventatives, there is no regulation that prevents the veterinarian from prescribing two years of heartworm preventative therapy at the time a prescription is written. Choosing to authorize the dispensing of a prescription for one year or two years is a practice guideline the veterinarian establishes himself or herself. What has to be taken into consideration, other than the pet being healthy and heartworm free, is the veterinarian's confidence in the compliance of the owner in giving a dose of preventative medication once a month, every month, year round without fail.

What are important points to remember:

• A CPV can only occur from a physical examination of the pet by a veterinarian, not by answering an on-line questionaire.
• Having had this physical exam, your veterinarian may prescribe two years of heartworm prevention meds. This is up to the veterinarian.
• A physical exam may be necessary more often than once a year if the pet is being treated for a physical condition that requires periodic monitoring and/or testing, or, if the pet has been started on a new medication and tests are required to make sure the medication is doing no harm or is acting as expected.

1-800-PetMeds wants to be the pharmacy for your pets prescription and non-prescription needs. If your veterinarian is going to put your pet on a medication, remember to ask for a prescription while at the vets office so you can mail it into our pharmacy, or, ask your veterinarian to fax a prescription from his office to the 1-800-PetMeds pharmacy. Of course the 1-800-PetMeds pharmacy team is available to call your veterinarian for the prescription as well.