• Create an Information Search locating pets that need a heartworm test performed.
• Enter the client and patient information remembering to exclude inactive records and deceased patients.
• Utilize the Medical History tab to select the heartworm criteria. For example you will search for a code that does not exactly match the values of the codes assigned to your heartworm test. You will also specify a date, remember you are looking for pets who have either never had a heartworm test or have not had one in a certain amount of time.
• Run the search and create a post card or letter mailing just for these pets.

Step 2: Sending Reminders and AVImark Setup
For those patients that have previously received a heartworm test or have purchased heartworm preventative, it is important they return for follow-up services. The easiest way to handle this is by utilizing the reminder feature. Reminders can be generated from treatments, items and diagnoses.

• Create reminder templates on the heartworm tests
• Create reminder templates on each heartworm preventative in your Inventory List and then group them in a reminder series.

• Locate the heartworm test in your Treatment List and open the Change Treatment window.
• Select the More Stuff attachment option.
• Create a field by selecting right-click, New. Enter a name for the field, choose the Type of Pos/Neg and if desired select a default result. You might also check the option On Patient Chart to include the information on the printed Patient Chart.
• Assign the B action code to the treatment.

Step 3: Scheduling Patient Visits for the Heartworm Test
After making contact with the client the staff will then need to schedule an appointment for their pet.

• Associate the heartworm test wit the appointment and any heartworm preventative they might be purchasing.

Once the patient is checked in, the associated test and preventatives will then be entered in Medical History. Linking the test and preventatives to the appointment and checking the pet in will save staff time. These treatments and items can also be posted to the Whiteboard Schedule tab by utilizing some Advanced Options. You can also view the Whiteboard to see who has scheduled appointments and view future activities to see if any heartworm tests are to be performed.

Step 4: Recording Test Results
Now that the patient has arrived for their appointment, the heartworm test can be performed. If the appropriate steps have been taken the result window will automatically open when the heartworm test is entered into Medical History.

Another way to access the More Stuff is to select the option to the right of the entry in the Attachments area.

• In the Results field click on the Drop-down list to choose the appropriate result. If the blood needs to be sent to an outside source select the inconclusive option. Then , when the results are received return to this window.

Following these guidelines, ultimately will increase clinic production and improve patient care.