Tag: visc

In today’s workers’ compensation environment, one principle is universally recognized by insurers, regulators, and risk professionals: early reporting leads to better outcomes. Prompt injury reporting is no longer just a procedural task; it is a strategic practice that directly impacts employee wellbeing, claim costs, and overall operational efficiency. For California veterinary practices, where staff routinely face risks like animal handling injuries, bites, scratches, lifting strains, and sharps exposures, timely reporting is especially important. Establishing a culture of reporting all injuries—no matter how minor—can significantly improve both safety outcomes and financial performance.

One of the most common questions we hear from new insurance applicants at Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) is, “Why do you need all of this information?” It’s a fair question. Insurance applications today are more detailed than ever, especially here in California. Once we hit “submit,” your application doesn’t simply get priced and approved. It enters a structured underwriting process shaped by carrier appetite, actuarial data, catastrophe modeling, and guidelines filed with the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Understanding that process provides clarity—and leverage. When our carrier partners review a submission, they evaluate risk from multiple angles.

California veterinary practices operate amid an unusually wide range of natural and human caused hazards—including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, chemical exposures, and civil threats—while also managing clinical risks inherent to animal care. A strong Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that integrates Cal/OSHA requirements with veterinary specific best practices protects staff, clients, and patients while ensuring business continuity when disruption strikes. This article provides a comprehensive, California-specific framework you can use to strengthen your emergency preparedness and response systems.

Change in the insurance world can sometimes feel unsettling, especially when it happens without warning. Recently, CNA made the decision to non-renew a number of policies for Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) insureds. We want to emphasize one very important fact: This decision is in no way a reflection on you, your practice, or the way you operate. Our insureds did nothing wrong.

With veterinary professionals facing physically demanding work environments, the risk of occupational injuries remains a concern. From animal handling incidents to repetitive strain injuries, the need for timely and effective medical care is critical. Fortunately, telehealth is emerging as a transformative solution in occupational medicine—offering immediate access to care, streamlining workers’ compensation claims, and supporting faster recovery for injured veterinary staff.

Veterinary medicine is changing—fast. From telemedicine and mobile services to evolving employee expectations, today’s veterinary practice looks very different than it did just a few years ago. But while clinical innovation charges ahead, one critical area often lags behind: insurance. Many practices are still relying on outdated policies that no longer match how they operate, leaving significant gaps in protection.