Techniques for measuring radiographic repeat rates.

Radiographs that must be repeated, which are commonly referred to as "repeats," represent additional, non-billable costs due to increased film, chemistry, and equipment use as well as increased personnel time. Furthermore, patients receive additional radiation exposure from repeats and must remain on the premises until the second exam is completed. Compounding the overt negative financial impact on the department is an increased burden on the waiting room and support staff, and a decrease in patient throughput. A continuous improvement team was assigned to develop an improved technique for monitoring and reducing the number of repeated radiographs in a subset of our radiology department. This paper presents a novel method of accurately measuring the repeat rate through the use of radiographic repeat labels. The labels remove the guesswork from repeat analysis and heighten the technologists' awareness of common problems. Additionally, the labels allow for detailed analysis of the cause of repeated radiographs, which can provide insight for determining remedial actions. Repeat analysis data from our institution acquired using the labels before and after implementing remedial actions are presented.