EzyVet Veterinary Practice Management Software 

EzyVet is a type of practice information management software (PIMS) for veterinary practices. 

A good quality PIMS can play a part in nearly every aspect of practicing medicine and running a business. But how does a veterinarian or practice manager know which PIMS is right for their workflow, practice culture, and long-term growth and goals?

There’s no single system that is right for every practice. Instead, every veterinary business should research their options and see which PIMS might be a good fit. 

Our last two articles took a look at some key features of AVImark and Cornerstone. Today, we’ll be covering another popular PIMS option: ezyVet.

Company Info and the Technical Stuff about the EzyVet Practice Software

EzyVet (Cloud Veterinary Software | ezyVet ) was originally created in New Zealand in 2006. Since then, it’s grown to serve over 2,000 animal hospitals on six continents, with offices in Dallas, London, and Auckland. In 2021, the company was acquired by IDEXX.

The software is entirely cloud-based. It can run on any internet-connected device with a browser, including computers, tablets, and phones of various providers and operating systems. 

The ezyVet website includes information on suggested hardware and internet requirements to allow the software to run at its best. 

They also mention that the system still works offline, then syncs back to the system once the network is available again. This was listed as a perk for mobile vets who may travel out of network range. But it stands to reason that this feature could also prove useful for occasional internet outages in brick-and-mortar practices. They do suggest having internet with a cell phone provider available as a backup option.

Server backups aren’t required since the software is cloud-based. Updates are automatic, and the company promotes innovation so that new updates can help to meet veterinarian and client demands.

New customers receive comprehensive onboarding services for a smooth transition. Support is available 24/7, via email, phone, or ticket. And ezyVet advertises that they have bank-level security.

Main Features and Functions of EzyVet Software

The key features advertised by ezyVet include…

  • All the functions that would be expected from a complete PIMS, including scheduling, price estimates, payment processing, client reminders, electronic medical records, inventory, and reports.

  • One characteristic of ezyVet software that pops up often on their website, as well as in reviews from veterinarians, is the availability of robust customization options. Of course, with any PIMS, it can require some time upfront to set up templates, workflow preferences, picklist and shorthand settings for entering data from a patient’s history and physical exam, screen/clinical record display preferences, etc. But customization can help to improve workflow and efficiency once preferences are set and running. Customization also included picking from settings designed for general practice, specialists, mobile vets, equine vets, etc.

  • A customer portal that offers clients the ability to access their pet’s data, use online booking to schedule appointments, pay invoices, and order certain products for their pets. 

  • Automated invoice capture so that charges are entered as the products/services are added to the medical record. This helps save time by only entering charges once, and also helps prevent missed charges.

  • Lots of integration partners and compatibility, including major diagnostic laboratories, diagnostic image viewing, and sharing applications, major vendors, and more.

  • Telemedicine is offered via integration with Zoom or Televet.

  • Client communication options can be customized and automated to save time, and sent directly from the software so they are automatically added to the medical record.

  • Other time-saving features such as e-signature capabilities, a self-check-in kiosk option for clients, and automatic inventory reordering.

Conclusion

Subjectively speaking, ezyVet’s website was very clear and easy to navigate. A lot of information—including hardware requirements and transparent pricing information—was available and easy to find on the website, which was not always the case for some of the other large PIMS providers.

EzyVet also has a YouTube channel, including a playlist of short tutorials

All of this simple and easily available information, along with many positive reviews and the company’s goal of promoting work-life balance through time-saving automation, leave a favorable initial impression of ezyVet.

That being said, there are no “perfect” PIMS out there that are right for every practice. It’s important to research prices, features, and other factors prior to making a decision.

A “test drive” of several systems can also be the deciding factor since it involves testing out the PIMS and seeing if it feels intuitive and simple to use. EzyVet does suggest that veterinarians book a demo to see if the software is a good fit for them. 

Editor's Note: Looking for x-ray or ultrasound equipment that integrates with your practice management software? Our x-ray and ultrasound equipment integrates with any software with DICOM, to save you time and make your workflow easier.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

Cornerstone Veterinary Practice Management Software 

Practice information management software (PIMS) is a crucial part of business for veterinary practices to maximize their operations and profit, reduce lost revenue, and make the workday flow a bit easier. 

But depending on the PIMS a practice chooses, it can either work for them and make their life simpler, or it can feel like a battle with the software each day.

There’s no single “perfect” PIMS that’s right for everyone. Team members may have different preferences, and veterinary practices come in all shapes and sizes and have different needs.

To help with the research process when purchasing a PIMS, in our last article we discussed some of the key features of AVImark software. Today, we’ll be taking a look at Cornerstone software from IDEXX.

The Basics and Getting Started with Cornerstone Software

Cornerstone Software (Cornerstone Software | Feature-Rich Veterinary Software - IDEXX US ) is available from IDEXX. 

Cornerstone is a preferred provider recommended by AAHA, and the software reportedly helps vets collectively manage the treatment of 26 million patients per year.

A cloud option is available. There’s no seat or usage limitation for larger practices.

One attractive security feature is automatic daily data backup, along with Cornerstone specialists to verify that data is backed up successfully and without data corruption. The provider also offers security alerts, help for fixing security concerns, and a 2-hour recovery for business-critical data if recovery is ever needed.

IDEXX offers data conversion into Cornerstone, noting that they’ve managed more data conversions than any other vet software provider.

Customized training is available for team members, including onboarding and a training plan for the practice through in-person and remote sessions.

Main Features and Functions of Cornerstone Veterinary Software

The key features advertised by IDEXX include…

  • All the functions that would be expected from a robust PIMS, including scheduling, price estimates, payment processing, client reminders, electronic medical records, inventory, and reports.

  • User-friendly, easy navigation. This includes contemporary fonts and icons, enhanced search, and a hover feature for access to scheduling details.

  • IDEXX claims to have the industry’s most integrated software, for working with a variety of popular apps and other programs. Obviously, integration with IDEXX labs is smooth, including in-house machines. Other highlighted applications include…

    • Pet Health Network Pro (Pet Health Network Pro Integrated Features - IDEXX US ), also from IDEXX, helps veterinary practices with appointment requests, automated email and text reminders for appointments, medical reminders, thank you and pet birthday messages, targeted marketing campaigns, 1-on-1 texting with clients that is saved to the patient’s record, newsletters, and reputation management. The service also features Petly pages and a mobile client app with branding customized to the veterinary practice.

    • rVetLink, a cloud-based referral management solution.

    • VetConnect Plus, an online diagnostic resource to support clinical decision-making.

    • IDEXX Web PACS for image storing and sharing.

    • PetDetector, for printing temporary pet ID collars during hospital stays.

  • Portable checkout devices for exam rooms or curbside.

  • A whiteboard to for assigning and keeping track of tasks, and for updating patient status and tasks.

Conclusion about Cornerstone Software

It seems that Cornerstone is designed to be an all-encompassing solution to help veterinary practices manage their daily workflow more efficiently, improve performance, and grow the business.

In reviews, opinions of Cornerstone range from “love it” to “hate it.” Proponents of the software note that it works best if team members invest the time to train on and customize the software from the beginning. 

Training helps team members actually use all the functions that are available, for the best return on investment. And customization helps personalize the software to the needs of an individual practice, so it becomes more intuitive and a tool to improve workflow and efficiency.

To determine if Cornerstone is a good fit for your practice, a free demo is available from IDEXX. Be sure to ask a lot of questions and explore all the software’s features while “test-driving” it. 

Also, talk to other practitioners to get their opinions. If another practice in your area uses the software, ask them about making a quick visit to see the software in action and ask them what they like and don’t like about it. Doing your research can help ensure the software you choose meets the needs of your clinic and practice style.

Editor's Note: Looking for x-ray or ultrasound equipment that integrates with your practice management software? Our x-ray and ultrasound equipment integrates with any software with DICOM, to save you time and make your workflow easier.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM

AVImark Veterinary Practice Management Software 

A good practice management software (PMS)—also known as practice information management software (PIMS)—plays a role in nearly everything a veterinary practice does, from daily procedures to inventory and improving financial performance. 

In modern practices, paper-based records systems are becoming less and less common. Electronic systems can save time not only for entering and processing information but also by automating tasks like client reminders. 

Additionally, many pet owners expect to have access to their pet’s information in a timely manner, including when records (not just medical notes and lab results, but also diagnostic images and videos) need to be shared with another veterinary practice or a specialist.

There are many PIMS options available. Over the next three articles, we’ll take a look at features and considerations for three of the most popular systems—beginning with AVImark.

Technical and Setup Considerations

Avimark is owned by Covetrus. It uses a Windows operating system, and both server and cloud-based options are available. According to Covetrus, AVImark is used by more than 11,000 veterinary hospitals worldwide, making it a popular choice. 

Data backup services are available, as are specialized hardware with warranty plans. There is also an add-on conversion service to help transfer current records and treatment/inventory lists to the new software when switching to AVImark.

One nice option is training that is provided via a self-paced online course, virtual training, or on-site training. A customized workflow analysis and consultation are also available to help a veterinary practice with their specific needs and goals.

Downsides commonly mentioned in reviews were that the system can be slow at times, especially with multiple users. Glitches can happen, although to be fair this was an issue noted with many PIMS providers. And tech support received some unfavorable reviews.

Main Features and Functions of AVImark

The key features advertised by Covetrus (AVImark veterinary practice management software | Covetrus ) include…

  • All the basic and necessary functions a veterinary practice would expect from a complete PIMS, such as scheduling, reminders, price estimates, inventory, reports, invoicing/payment processing, and electronic medical records.

  • Ease of use and team members being able to learn the system quickly. Many reviews mention that the system is intuitive and that it can quickly be picked up by new hires.

  • Robust search functions, which were mentioned positively in AVImark reviews. This includes the ability to search for a patient/client using the client name, pet name, phone number, or other parameters, as well as the ability to search for patients with certain factors such as those who haven’t been seen in a while, or those who need preventive medication refills, are above a certain age, etc.

  • Integration with a variety of other programs. This includes other Covetrus systems, such as Covetrus Prescription Management. AVImark also integrates with a variety of in-house and outside laboratory programs, diagnostic imaging software, etc.

  • Automation, including texts, emails, voice messaging, postcards, prompts for forward booking of appointments, etc. to help increase compliance and revenue. AVImark also advertises marketing and client communication tools, reputation management features (surveys and online reviews), and mobile apps.

  • Cloud-based Intelligent Inventory to help reduce inventory waste and costs.

  • Note templates to help streamline notetaking for medical history and for clients. 

  • Customized list building. This can be used within the hospital to assign tasks to team members, or to save time by adding standard discharge or post-op instructions to the medical history.

  • A whiteboard function for tracking all updates, activities, tasks, and notes in real time. This is automatically added to the medical record and invoice, to reduce the likelihood of missed charges or miscommunications.

  • Telemedicine solutions (with the latest AVImark update).

Conclusion

AVImark is one of many options veterinary practice owners have when it comes to PIMS. Although it has changed ownership, it has been around for many years and is something of a “tried and true” system used by a lot of veterinary hospitals.

That being said, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to practice management software. Each practice must decide what’s best for their business’s size, daily operation requirements and workflow, budget, long-term goals including growth, IT infrastructure and internet dependability, and other individual factors. 

Be sure to do your research prior to making a purchase. Check reviews, ask colleagues their opinions and ask vendors for a demo that can be used in your practice for several days so you and your staff can really get a feel for it and see if the software is a good fit. 

By doing your due diligence, you can find the best PIMS to help with meeting daily practice needs and supporting long-term goals. 

Editor's Note: Looking for x-ray or ultrasound equipment that integrates with your practice management software? Our x-ray and ultrasound equipment integrates with any software with DICOM, to save you time and make your workflow easier.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM