Veterinary software, explained.
The terms that come up when you shop for a practice management system, defined in plain language. No jargon, no spin.
AGPLv3 (copyleft license)
AGPLv3 is an open-source license that keeps software free and open, and requires that hosted versions stay open too.
ReadAppointment reminders and recalls
Appointment reminders are automated messages that confirm upcoming visits, and recalls are messages that bring patients back in for due care like vaccines.
ReadAudit trail
An audit trail is an automatic record of every change made in your software: who did it, what changed, and when.
ReadCloud vs on-premise
Cloud software runs on remote servers you access over the internet. On-premise software runs on a server installed at your practice.
ReadControlled substance log
A controlled substance log is the required record of every controlled drug a practice receives, dispenses, and disposes of, with a full chain of custody.
ReadData portability
Data portability is the ability to export all of your practice's data in a complete, usable format and take it to another system.
ReadEMR vs PIMS
An EMR is the medical record itself. A PIMS is the whole practice system that wraps the medical record together with scheduling, billing, inventory, and communication.
ReadManaged hosting
Managed hosting is when a vendor runs, updates, backs up, and monitors the software for you, so your team can just use it.
ReadOpen API
An open API is a documented, accessible way for other software to read and write data in your system, without going through a gated partner program.
ReadOpen-source veterinary software
Open-source veterinary software is a PIMS whose source code is public, so anyone can read it, run it, and improve it, and practices can host it themselves.
ReadPIMS (Practice Information Management System)
A veterinary PIMS, or practice information management system, is the software that runs a clinic day to day: scheduling, medical records, billing, inventory, and client communication in one place.
ReadREST API
A REST API is a common, web-based standard for software to exchange data using simple requests over HTTPS.
ReadSelf-hosting
Self-hosting means running software on your own infrastructure instead of paying a vendor to host it for you.
ReadSOAP notes
SOAP notes are a structured way to write a veterinary medical record in four parts: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.
ReadTwo-way texting
Two-way texting lets a practice and its clients send SMS messages back and forth, with the conversation saved on the client record instead of a personal phone.
ReadVendor lock-in
Vendor lock-in is when switching software is so difficult or costly that you stay with a vendor even when you would rather leave.
ReadWebhook
A webhook is an automatic message your software sends to another system the moment something happens, like an appointment being booked.
Read