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Financial

The Hidden Cost of Diagnostic Testing Rework

Every repeat test is capacity you never get back.

Updated October 2026 · PACT MATTERS, LLC

Diagnostic testing rework — repeat images, redone visual fields, retaken measurements — is one of the most underestimated costs in ophthalmology. Each repeat consumes technician time, equipment time, and patient time that cannot be recovered.

Why rework happens

  • Inconsistent technique across technicians
  • Poor patient positioning and fixation
  • Equipment that is out of calibration
  • Unclear protocols and no feedback loop

What it really costs

A single repeat OCT or visual field can consume 10–20 minutes of technician and equipment time. Multiplied across a busy schedule, the annual cost runs into thousands of hours of lost capacity.

Reducing rework

  • Standardize technique with written standard work
  • Track first-time-right rates by test type
  • Give technicians feedback on image quality
  • Maintain equipment calibration rigorously

Key Takeaways

  • Rework consumes capacity that can never be recovered
  • Most rework comes from inconsistent technique and unclear protocols
  • Track first-time-right rates to make it visible
  • Standard work and feedback reduce it dramatically

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we measure rework?

Track the percentage of tests that must be repeated, by test type and by technician, then trend it over time.

What is a realistic target?

Practices that standardize technique often cut repeat rates significantly within months.

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