Fees
Fees are calculated according to the procedure undertaken, including consultation, any necessary investigation, medication and surgical procedures. They can vary considerably according to what is required for your animals’ well-being. The veterinary surgeon will always discuss the specific costs and options for your animal with you before any procedure is undertaken. All fees are subject to VAT at the current rate where applicable.
Payment Terms
Payment for small animals is required in full at the time of consultation or on collection of your pet or goods. For payments in person, we accept most debit and credit cards (excluding American Express) and can accept cash, however we do not provide change, any excess received will be credited to your account for future use. If payment is not received on the day of treatment, an invoice will be issued where immediate payment is required.
Clients with large animals who have agreed credit terms are invoiced either bi-monthly or at month end. Payment is due strictly within 30 days from the date of the invoice, or 21 days for XLVet Scheme clients. Invoices can be settled remotely via BACS (on-line banking), by card over the phone or by cheque using the details provided on your invoice. Alternatively in person in practice as above.
Insurance
It is your responsibility to settle your account in line with our payment terms however we will assist in the prompt completion of insurance forms for which we charge a reasonable fee to cover our costs. For claims under £500 you are expected to settle your bill personally and direct insurance receipts to your own account, however where claims exceed £500 you may authorise your insurance company to pay Hook Norton Veterinary Group directly provided all excess and administrative charges are paid at the time the claim is made.
Late Payment
In the absence of any other arrangement agreed with the Practice, invoices not settled within 30 days of the invoice date will incur an administrative surcharge of 2% per month.
Returned cheques, counterfeit cash or charged back card amounts will be reapplied to the client’s account along with associated bank and administrative costs arising from the default.
We reserve the right to take such action as we consider appropriate to recover our fees in the event of late payment based on our payment terms. Your contact and account details may be passed to third-party debt collection agencies engaged to recover the outstanding fees and/or instigating proceedings against you in the County Court. You would be liable to pay any additional costs incurred, which will be added to your client account. Please be aware that the use of debt collection agencies and the County Court could affect your credit rating.
We may suspend or request upfront payment for the provision of any further goods and/or services until full settlement has been made in the event of late payment.
Contact Us
Please contact our Accounts Department for account queries without delay to resolve the matter on:
Telephone: 01608 738501 between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, or,
E-Mail: accounts@hooknortonvets.co.uk
All non-registered clients must pay for services provided at the time and may be asked for a deposit when booking a future procedure.
