Analysis of a practice management computer software program for owner compliance with recall reminders.

The purpose of this study was to describe clients' level of compliance with reminders that are computer generated and to identify factors associated with owner response to a recall. Client response to a recall notice revealed that clients responded to reminders for vaccination about 3 times less often than for the other recall codes combined (dental procedures, laboratory tests, medical progress examinations, and neutering). These results suggest that veterinarians need to move away from annual vaccination reminders and toward the promotion of preventive veterinary services, such as annual wellness examinations, screening laboratory testing, and routine dental procedures. Once a practice has committed to and set up the required computer systems to promote preventive veterinary care, the stage is set for the implementation and monitoring of recommendations and reminders. This type of practice philosophy and marketing coincides perfectly with an approach to maximizing compliance in all aspects of veterinary medicine.