Veterinary estimatedevis
A veterinary estimate is the price information a vet must give a client for a service: the price where it is set in advance, or otherwise a method for calculating that price or an estimate for a type of service (article R242-49 of the French Rural Code).
Article R242-49 of the French Rural Code requires the vet to provide the price of a service when that price is set in advance. Otherwise, the vet provides a method for calculating the price, or an estimate for a type of service. The vet must also answer any request for information on fees or on the cost of a treatment.
The same article prohibits charging for an act according to its result. It also prohibits practices that cut fees to compete when they compromise the quality of care.
The commentary on the code of ethics published by the French National Veterinary Council recommends agreeing fees in a detailed estimate signed by the client before treatment. The commentary presents this as advice, not as a legal obligation.
According to the same fact sheet, an estimate is kept for the period stated on it.
Sources
See also
- Informed consent Informed consent is the agreement a vet must obtain from the owner or keeper of an animal, after explaining clearly the diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment and prescription (article R242-48 of the French Rural Code).
- Ordre des vétérinaires The Ordre des vétérinaires is the statutory body every practising vet in France must join; it keeps the register of vets and enforces professional ethics and independence (article L242-1 of the French Rural Code).