CMA Caps Vet Prescription Fees at £21 as Prices Rose Nearly Twice Inflation
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 21
CMA Caps Vet Prescription Fees at £21 as Prices Rose Nearly Twice Inflation
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 21
Summary
Legally binding CMA rules taking effect Tuesday cap written vet prescription fees at £21 and give practices up to 12 months to comply.
£500 treatments will now require advance written estimates and itemised bills, while vets must publish comprehensive price lists and tell clients when cheaper medicines are available online.
The watchdog imposed the remedies after finding veterinary prices had been rising at nearly twice the rate of inflation and will also require practices to disclose whether they are independent or group-owned.
Independent vets and the British Veterinary Association warned the changes could squeeze smaller practices and push up charges for consultations or surgery, even as pet owners gain clearer price comparisons through the RCVS Find a Vet service.