WHAT ARE TEACHING CREDITS AND HOW CAN I USE THEM?

Teaching credit is provided to the section head of each hospital service by the VTH Director. Section leaders determine their own policies for distribution of credits within their section. Please check with you service section head to determine the availability of teaching credits and any special policies that might supercede those described below. Teaching credit is used to decrease the total charges for services rendered by the VTH to the client.

WAYS “TC” CAN BE USED:

• The initial intent of TC was to encourage the use of additional tests/procedures that might assist in the learning experience and treatment of a case without unfairly burdening the client. You are still encouraged to communicate the value of such tests/procedures in hopes that the client will pay.

• TC can be applied to cases with clients with financial issues. We do not pay for entire bills for the client unless authorized by the section head. It is important that clients share some fiscal responsibility (at least 1/3 of the cost) in the care of their pet. Bear in mind that SCAVMA does maintain a fund for assistance in such cases as well.

• TC is occasionally used to pay for a mistake or miscommunication either by you or your student. Such instances can and should be minimized through good client communication which includes thoroughly explained and signed estimate forms, complete communication logs, and excellent recordkeeping.

WAYS “TC” CAN NOT BE USED

TC is a credit applied against a VTH service charge and cannot be used for anything that generates a charge for service from an agency outside the VTH. For example: Diagnostic Laboratory fees, postage & handling, cremation, referred tests. TC can not be used to pay a personal invoice.

HOW TO USE TC:

On the bottom of the financial sheet you will see space that says T/C amount or T/C procedure. You can either write in the amount you wish to TC ($50), or you can write in the procedure (e.g. “CBC”). Your signature must appear on the T/C signature line.

Please remain aware of your account balance and be careful not to use more than your allocation. If your account does run a deficit it will come out of your section’s balance and will reduce TC available to a colleague.

Please see the Business Office with any questions.