Economic Benefits of Offering Cold Laser Therapy

Price

An investment in a THOR Photomedicine laser system is relatively low compared to other treatment or diagnostic equipment that can be purchased to enhance a practice. The entry level unit costs $6100 including shipping.

Integration of Photo Medicine in a Veterinary Practice

Cold laser therapy can be incorporated into a practice in two ways:

1. An additional post-surgical treatment

2. A new and drug free treatment alternative for osteoarthritis, degenerative disc
disease, and other musculoskeletal conditions

Financial Return

1. Additional Post Surgical Treatment

Cold laser treatment can be added to surgical protocols as an ancillary treatment for non-cancerous lump removals, orthopedic surgeries, foreign body surgeries,
and wounds. Adding cold laser treatment to the protocols will improve the speed
and quality of tissue repair, reduce inflammation and pain.
The treatment will increase revenue and does not require doctors to convince
clients to switch treatments. Assuming $60 a treatment, it would take only 10
treatments a month to return 300% on the monthly lease cost of the equipment.

2.  Alternative Therapeutic Treatment.

Traditional treatment for osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and other
musculoskeletal conditions includes diagnostic radiology, NSAIDs, and periodic
chemistry profiles to monitor liver and kidney function. Cold laser treatment will
require diagnostic radiology and regular office visits for treatment. Depending on
the complexity of the cases and staff training, treatments can be provided by
either a veterinarian or technician (detailed treatment information is included in
the protocols manual).

Financially, the cold laser treatments will provide a regular stream of income. A
typical protocol is approximately 6 visits within the first 4 weeks and then
maintenance treatments every 3 to 4 weeks. Assuming that a practice originates
2 new cases a month one in the beginning of the month and one in the middle,
the practice could add another 10 laser treatments to that month (assuming the
full course of 6 initial treatments on one patient and 4 of the 6 initial treatments
on the second). The therapeutic use of cold light laser at $60 per session could
add a further $600 to monthly income obtained from post surgical treatments
amounting to a combined 600% on the monthly lease cost of the equipment

The frequency of patients’ visits will increase the probability of product
purchases, such as heartworm and flea preventatives, ear cleaning products,and dental products. Additionally, closer monitoring of a patient’s condition will lead to earlier diagnosis of other potential medical issues.

The opportunity cost of switching from pharmaceuticals to cold laser treatment is
minimal. The margins from drug sales are constantly being reduced by pressure
from internet pharmacies and alternative sources. The loss of income by
reducing the need for frequent chemistry profiles will be far outweighed by the
continual visits for treatment.

Overall Financial Benefits

With minimal use of the Thor Photomedicine Unit, it can easily be assumed that a
practice can generate 10 post-surgical treatments a month and 10 therapeutic
treatments a month generating $1200 in income monthly, $14,400 annually. In the first year the laser would return 238% of the purchase price.