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Business & Economics
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When dental schools closed: lessons for veterinary profession?
6/10/2013
Student applications, not practice economics, drove decisions
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Rise of veterinary chain ownership begets Canadian group purchasing
4/10/2013
Uniform pricing tradition gives way
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Banfield expansion brings new stand-alone clinics
3/28/2013
Eight in Portland, Ore.; other cities possible
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Group purchasing activity on upswing in veterinary medicine
2/28/2013
Organizations proffer bulk discounts to independent practices
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Is the doctor in?
12/5/2012
Veterinarians grapple with demand for extended hours
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Ultrasound machine salesman pleads guilty to theft
11/8/2012
Plea follows indictment of Patrick Jackson
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Satellite practices: academic evolution or unfair competition?
10/26/2012
OSU to open emergency, specialty practice in Columbus suburb
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Veterinarians recount ordeals with major lender
9/6/2012
Wells Fargo strives to 'serve as a trusted advisor to veterinarians'
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Hospital chain headhunts for talent among veterinary practice staff
7/3/2012
Veterinarians debate ethics of Banfield's recruiting methods
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No simple answers on supply and demand in veterinary profession
5/29/2012
Workforce data outdated, conflicting
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Veterinarian opens up about going undercover
5/22/2012
Flea-product diversion adventure twisted, turned
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Veterinarian investigates illicit diversion of flea products
5/8/2012
Gray-market sales veiled by deception, intrigue
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‘Why are vets so expensive?’
4/13/2012
Practitioner tackles sensitive question
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Veterinary diagnostics giant sues multiple practitioners
3/9/2012
VCA Antech alleges breach of extended lab service contracts
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VCA Antech buys largest Canadian veterinary chain
1/26/2012
Associate Veterinary Clinics operates 44 clinics in three provinces
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Veterinarians confront Internet pharmacy PetMed Express
1/16/2012
Company acknowledges: ‘Some mistakes were made’
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Veterinary practices inch back to growth
1/1/2012
Surveys of third-quarter results show some improvement
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PetMed Express stumbles
12/8/2011
Competitive pressure up in veterinary-drug sales
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Credit card processors pass costs of IRS rule to merchants
12/2/2011
Negotiate to have fees waived, expert advises
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Loan broker accused of bilking veterinarians now sells wellness plans
11/10/2011
Ron Paterson draws more complaints
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Bid to bring veterinary education to Alaska stirs debate
11/9/2011
Fears of oversaturation weigh on need for more veterinarians
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Merial knows, diverting veterinarians assert
11/4/2011
Maker of Frontline denies the company condones, encourages diversion
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More veterinarians sue flea products broker WTF Wholesale
11/4/2011
Claims collectively top a half-million dollars
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Equipment dealer deludes some, aids others
11/2/2011
Ron Sassetti earns mixed reviews from veterinarians
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‘Free’ Hill’s cat food samples not exactly free
10/24/2011
Veterinary clinics report accepting samples triggers orders for more
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Subterfuge, confusion surround new credit, debit card rules
9/30/2011
Merchant savings on fees not automatic
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VCA's buy of Vetstreet raises worries about control of clinic data
9/1/2011
New owner says it will not inspect clinic information
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Complaints mount against gray-market broker WTF Wholesale
8/29/2011
Problems open view into world of flea product diversion
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Entest to use veterinary practices as revenue driver, research venue
8/23/2011
Concerns about setup point to potential conflicts of interest
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Amerisource Medical under investigation by police in two states
8/3/2011
Ultrasound-equipment vendor accused of cheating customers
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Out of the frying pan, veterinarians mix economic uptick with uncertainty
7/28/2011
Increased competition likely to blunt recovery for veterinary clinics
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New poll finds many clinics in flagging health
7/18/2011
Study: Advertising, communication, consistency key to boosting veterinary visits
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Pfizer seeks to unload animal health division
7/8/2011
Sale or spin-off expected
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Tight job market squeezes large-animal veterinarians
6/27/2011
Some say shortage of food-supply practitioners is over
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Gilded Lilly? Bayer challenges Elanco claims
6/24/2011
Bayer challenges Elanco claims about diversion, loyalty to veterinarians
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Veterinary technicians: Opportunities, but at what cost?
6/9/2011
Support staff cite low wages, spotty professional respect
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Tough job market compels dogged hunt by new veterinarians
5/19/2011
Fewer grads enjoy luxury of multiple offers
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Proposal for new Banfield hospital prevails over objections
5/6/2011
Veterinarians in California city seek to resist ‘Wal-Martization’
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ISU wins first round in litigation against veterinarians
5/3/2011
Specialists barred from competing with ISU hospitals fight back
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PLIT rolls back workers' comp advice for relief veterinarians
3/29/2011
Broker Hub International issues clarification
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Thrift commerce meets veterinary medicine in GroupDVM
2/10/2011
Company uses 'power in numbers' to leverage deals for veterinarians
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Study: Veterinarians can reverse decline in visits
1/27/2011
Report identifies contributing factors and ways to counter the trend
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Price soars on popular antibiotic metronidazole
1/13/2011
Limited competition among manufacturers behind increase
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Target tests market for pet medications
12/22/2010
Trend in retail sales of veterinary drugs accelerating
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Veterinarian struggles to protect her online reputation
12/8/2010
Practitioner suspects Internet extortion is at play
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Canine Health Institute closing its doors
11/18/2010
Veterinary center for pain, rehab, imaging, neurosurgery was unique
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Clinic owner struggles with ultrasound-equipment vendor
11/17/2010
Amerisource Medical blames veterinarian’s location for shipment delay
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Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program gets off ground
11/9/2010
First USDA awards go to 62 recipients
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Frontline, ProMeris not going OTC, manufacturers say
11/8/2010
Veterinary market research survey gives confusing message
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NAS veterinary workforce study nears release
10/28/2010
Stakeholders expect report to shed light on supply and demand in America
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Navigating credit card security requirements
10/21/2010
Compliance isn't cheap or easy
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PetMed Express reports slip in sales
10/19/2010
Ad costs rise as consumer spending falls with the online pharmacy
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Lawsuit raises questions about sale of drugs to non-veterinarian
10/13/2010
Case brought by Bayer against shelter rescheduled for Dec. 2 hearing
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Health credit programs: safety net or predatory lending?
10/4/2010
NY state investigation puts veterinarians on the defensive
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CEVA buys Summit VetPharm
9/2/2010
Plans to market Vectra parasiticides globally
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Just say 'no' to telephone solicitors
8/23/2010
Clinic owners describe latest scheme involving Discover, Legal Club of America
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PVP, subsidiaries seek bankruptcy protection
8/23/2010
Veterinarians dismayed by state of company
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PVP faces bankruptcy; veterinarian investors stand to lose
8/12/2010
SEC filings reveal distributor entered into forbearance with lender
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Economic recovery still bumpy for veterinarians
6/8/2010
After first-quarter gains, California veterinary practice revenues slip in April
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Bayer wins some, loses some
4/28/2010
New sales policy continues to reverberate
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Veterinary publishers mixed on future of print journals
4/23/2010
Amid advertising decline, MediMedia bets on online services; others say print runs far from over
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Veterinarians bear brunt of software shortfalls, vendor growing pains
4/12/2010
VIA asks for patience as company updates practice management software
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Businesses join veterinarian in Yelp class action lawsuit
4/1/2010
DVMs need guidance for dealing with online reviews
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PetSmart first retailer to carry Advantage under new Bayer policy
3/17/2010
Banfield and other clinics turn away
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Merial details company stance on product diversion
2/26/2010
Executives speak out after veterinarians question company loyalty
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Bayer opens flea product sales to retail outlets
2/10/2010
Citing diversion, company ends policy of selling only through veterinarians
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PM software maker ImproMed buys VETECH
1/16/2010
Second acquisition for ImproMed within six months
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2009 brought huge consolidations in animal health industry
12/21/2009
Butler and Schein merger latest in a series
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Assets of a slow economy
12/7/2009
Putting life back into the work-life balance equation
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Merial reports Immiticide, Heartgard shortages
12/5/2009
Rationing of Immiticide leaves some veterinarians in a lurch
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Regulatory fee increases raise veterinarians' hackles
10/29/2009
California board readies to impose stiff price increases
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Sidewiki hijacks sites, puts reputations at risk, critics say
10/2/2009
Dangers of Google review tool spark concerns from veterinarians
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Online directory earns mixed reviews from veterinarians
9/16/2009
VINners air grievances about LocalVets.com, now known as YextVets
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Survey suggests recession spares many veterinary practices
9/3/2009
Reports show specialty, emergency practices bear brunt of downturn
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Activists go after stores selling dogs from puppy mills
7/27/2009
Movement to stamp out large commercial breeders gains traction
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California tax officials target breeders via Internet
6/29/2009
Officials search for those who skirt tax obligations
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Funding woes kill Fresno lab, haunt DVM program
6/26/2009
Calif. budget crisis wreaks havoc on veterinary medical education
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Advanta Bank to close all credit accounts this week
5/27/2009
Card issuer catered to small businesses
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Veterinarians must comply with Red Flags Rule by May 1
4/22/2009
Most practice owners already meet requirements, AVMA official says
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Veterinary charity highlighted by economic woes
3/30/2009
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Economic downturn hits veterinary practices
3/11/2009
New VIN survey results anticipated
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COBRA subsidy puts more onus on employers
3/3/2009
New rules likely burdensome, experts say
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Calif. veterinary service tax proposal dies
2/25/2009
Issue could re-emerge in future budgets
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Off the table?
2/12/2009
Calif. sales tax on veterinary services loses steam
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Tax experts stress the economy this year
2/3/2009
Pay attention to practice management, they say
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New center aspires to help dogs that might otherwise be euthanized
2/2/2009
Rehab, pain management and imaging under one roof in Houston
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Reports show veterinary practices hurting
12/24/2008
Veterinarians feeling nation's longest recession in a quarter century
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Fed adopts consumer credit-card protections
12/19/2008
VIN members wary of other finance deals
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Fuel prices drop, yet surcharges remain for diagnostic services
12/18/2008
DVMs push back; Antech drafts letter to explain fees
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Survey Finds Economy Eroding Revenues
12/5/2008
The present depression in the economy is starting to be felt now, according to a survey of Veterinary Information Network members.
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Dr. Tice's interest rates reversed and refunded
11/26/2008
In a classic case of oil going to the squeaky wheel, a veterinarian whose soaring credit card interest fees roused indignation has gotten a refund on excessive interest charges.
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Henry Schein Executive Says Privacy Rules Impede Inquiry Into Credit Card Rate Hikes
11/20/2008
Company says most cardholders are unaffected
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Soaring credit card rates raise eyebrows, hackles
11/14/2008
Dr. Tice warns colleagues to watch their credit card interest rate; Henry Schein offers to advocate on behalf of customers using their affinity card.
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Sales Tax on Veterinary Services
11/11/2008
California may impose a sales tax of as much as 10.25 percent on veterinary services if a proposed economic plan from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is passed.
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Brokers say Economy Not Hindering Capital
10/28/2008
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Pet food prices squeeze owners, veterinarians
10/27/2008
Prescription diets costs skyrocket, setting off consumers
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Brakke to release economic downturn report
10/10/2008
Study to publish in mid-December
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AVMA to release economic data
9/9/2008
Biennial economic survey, starting salaries report set for publication
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Handshakes are history; read the fine print, consultant says
8/26/2008
Product purchase gone wrong burns veterinarian
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CPA accused of stealing $2.7 million from VPI
7/23/2008
Stephen Anthony Friekin faces 103 felony counts of money laundering
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Feeling the economic pinch? Stop giving away services, consultant says
7/22/2008
Dr. Thomas Catanzaro suggests ways to earn more income
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Landscape for business refinancing wide open, bankers say
Go local for low rates, veterinarian suggests
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On the record
The VIN News Service recently conducted a Q&A session with the American Veterinary Medical Association and its indemnity arm, the Group Health and Life Insurance Trust (AVMA-GHLIT). The discussion explores the controversial partnership that’s emerged between GHLIT and Pets Best Insurance, a private entity.
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Loan broker accused of bilking veterinarians now sells wellness plans
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November 10, 2011
By: Jim Downing
For The VIN News Service
Ron Paterson’s trail of unhappy customers now extends to his recent ventures in pet wellness plans and patient finance programs.
Paterson, a Southern California businessman who sells financial services to veterinary practices, was the subject of a Veterinary Information Network (VIN) News Service investigative report in June. That article detailed complaints from veterinarians about Paterson’s practice loan business, VetFinance Group, and summarized his legal history. Among other troubles, Paterson has had at least six fraud or breach of contract judgments against him since 2005, totaling more than $890,000. Three of these judgments, for a combined $140,719, are tied to veterinary-equipment deals.
Since the publication in June of the story, the VIN News Service has learned that Paterson created three new companies this year. The first two, My Pet Wellness Plan, which offered wellness plans, and VetOne, a patient finance service, apparently shut down this summer following complaints from veterinarians and inquiries by an Atlanta-area sheriff’s department. The third, Pet Wellness USA, was launched in late August. (Paterson's VetOne is not the same business as the veterinary product supplier VetOne.)
Paterson did not respond to multiple calls and emails seeking comment for this story. Posts on an anonymous blog created in July contend that Paterson has a good record as a loan broker and that the VIN News Service article focused unfairly on concerns of dissatisfied clients. The VIN News Service has found no record of a veterinarian suing Paterson in connection with his loan brokerage, pet wellness or patient finance businesses, although he has been sued successfully by veterinary equipment suppliers at least three times.
Paterson announced the opening of My Pet Wellness Plan and VetOne in February on his blog. By March, he had produced promotional videos and placed them on a number of pet-related websites. By May, Paterson had hired sales representatives and was selling plans to veterinary practices.
Dr. Gerald Skees, a veterinarian in Woodstock, Ga., signed up his practice for Paterson's wellness and patient finance programs, paying a $399 initiation fee. Four of Skees' clients then chose to enroll in one or the other of the plans.
According to the wellness-plan agreement, clients were to pay Paterson a fixed monthly fee that would cover regular veterinary care for a year. With the patient finance plan, clients would make monthly payments to Paterson to pay off a costly procedure over time. For both plans, Skees was promised an upfront payment equal to the clients' total scheduled payments to Paterson less his service and finance charge of roughly 30 percent. The upfront sum was to be provided within 72 hours of a client signing up for the service.
After 10 days passed without receiving the promised payments, Skees began to worry. His receptionist called Paterson, who promised that the money was on its way. At the same time, according to Tracy Parsons, who was hired in May as the My Pet Wellness Plan sales representative in the Atlanta area, two other local veterinarians also reported delayed payments. Moreover, Parsons wasn't getting paid by Paterson for her work.
Then, Parsons said, she read the VIN News Service article on Paterson and decided to report him to her local sheriff's department.
"Lo and behold, within a day or two, we received all our money," Skees said.
Parsons said she then broke off contact with Paterson on the advice of law enforcement officials. Cherokee County Sheriff's Department Detective Jeff Donley said Paterson’s business appeared suspicious and, after a preliminary investigation, Donley advised Skees and the two other Atlanta-area veterinarians to withdraw from Paterson’s program. Skees said his clients received all the veterinary care they had paid for.
Skees has had no contact with Paterson since late June. But today he confirmed with his bank that Paterson made an unauthorized $399 electronic withdrawal in October from one of Skees' practice accounts. Skees had provided Paterson information about the account during the process of enrolling in the wellness plan. Skees said he is pursuing the matter with local authorities.
"Before this, I could maybe give him the benefit of the doubt," Skees said. "But for him to come back and tap into my account — that's pure fraud."
Donley said he has not received complaints about Paterson from other veterinarians. Law enforcement officials in California, where Paterson previously had legal trouble, showed little interest in working with him on the investigation, Donley said.
In Orange, Calif., Dr. Richard Dahlem signed up for Paterson's patient finance program in response to an advertisement faxed to his practice. Dahlem was wary of Paterson: "He said he had a $100-million line of credit with a bank in Chicago — but when I asked him which bank, he hemmed and hawed and never did say," Dahlem recalled.
Despite his reservations, Dahlem paid the $399 enrollment fee and shortly thereafter used the program to help a patient finance a $1,150 procedure. Under the finance arrangement, Paterson was to send Dahlem $700 within 72 hours. A month later, after six follow-up calls to Paterson, the money finally arrived. Around the same time, Dahlem read the VIN News Service article on Paterson. When Paterson next called to encourage Dahlem to enroll in his wellness plan, Dahlem told him about the article and said that their business relationship was over. Paterson was furious, Dahlem recalled.
Referring to the online professional community that is the parent of the news service, Dahlem said: "He was calling VIN names, saying how he was going to take VIN to court, that it was all lies and misunderstandings. He's a lot of hot air, frankly."
Back in Cherokee County, Georgia, Donley’s investigation has not led to charges filed against Paterson. However, the My Pet Wellness Plan website has been taken down. The home page of the VetOne site remains up, but the links do not work and no telephone number is listed.
In late August, Paterson started Pet Wellness USA. This time, however, Paterson didn't trumpet his connection to the new company. On Aug. 24, a link to the Pet Wellness USA website was posted on the My Pet Wellness Plan Facebook page by a user named RJ Pearson. The same day, VetFusion Inc., which is identified as the corporate name of Pet Wellness USA on the company's website, filed as a business entity with the Nevada Secretary of State. VetFusion still has not filed a list of officers, which means that no names are associated with the firm in the public record and its Nevada business registration is officially in default. However, a Pet Wellness USA representative who answered the company's toll-free telephone number stated that it is run by Ron Paterson.
The VIN News Service was unable to find any veterinarians who have done business with Pet Wellness USA.
The experiences with Paterson related by Dahlem, Parsons and Skees — late payments or no payments, accompanied by many excuses — are similar to those connected to his loan brokerage that were detailed in the first VIN News Service article and in complaints by veterinarians posted on VIN message boards.
Since the publication of the earlier story, the list of court judgments against Paterson has grown.
In July, he settled for $58,600 a complaint from Idexx Laboratories Inc. related to a fraudulent veterinary equipment transaction. In August, a Virginia man was awarded $56,660 by an Orange County, Calif., court for a canceled loan deal with Paterson related to the purchase of an Adam & Eve sex toy franchise. The VIN News Service also identified a judgment from 2009 against Paterson for $33,175 related to non-payments for veterinary equipment supplied by Dan Scott & Associates in Westerfield, Ohio.
These judgments are on top of the more than $750,000 in awards described in June by the VIN News Service. In addition, the Anaheim, Calif., Police Department is continuing to investigate Paterson's involvement in the disappearance of $9,000 in funds raised by a local Pop Warner football league.
The fate of Paterson's loan brokerage VetFinance Group (also called VFG Practice Solutions) is unclear. The company's website is down, but a veterinarian who has been working with Paterson on a loan deal — and who requested anonymity because negotiations are ongoing — told the VIN News Service that he hears from Paterson regularly.
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