Vet Prescription Prices

dturm wrote:
Which states require a vet to write a prescription w/o charge???

The states are about evenly split between those that require a script when requested and those that say a vet "should" write one when requested.

I got the above information starting with this page and following various links. I didn't take it so far as to find out which states do or don't allow charging for prescriptions, and unfortunately I don't remember which link I clicked on that said some states don't allow a separate charge for prescribing. My vet doesn't charge me for prescriptions, so the matter is only vaguely interesting to me and I didn't pursue it too far. ;)

There is a cost and a liability involved in writing a prescription. Record keeping, actually writing the script, explaining dose, precautions and possible side effects are involved whether we sell the medication or physically write the script. The potential for litigation due to adverse reactions is there regardless of someone else filling the script. There are "always" interactions (either by phone or fax) with the pharmacist/online pharmacy verifying or checking the script, Often times local pharmacists not familiar with animals, their medication and their doses add a level of complication in getting scripts filled properly.

All pretty much true of doctors who prescribe medications for humans, too. And they don't have a separate charge for prescribing. I'm old enough to remember when almost all vets around here wrote prescriptions in lieu of stocking their own medications to dispense. It never seemed to be a big deal. But maybe the human pharmacies were more used to dealing with pet prescriptions back then?

If there are states that require the script at no cost, I suspect the built in cost has been transferred to the exam/office call fees.

No doubt. Just as the "charge" for a human doctor to write a prescription is built into the basic office visit/examination fee.