The ROI of Rapid Diagnostics: Can a 10-Minute Test Actually Save You Money? Every unnecessary antibiotic prescription costs more than the price of the medication itself. It can lead to repeat visits, adverse drug reactions, unnecessary laboratory testing, lower patient satisfaction when symptoms persist, and mounting pressure on antibiotic stewardship programs. Add clinician time, overcrowded waiting rooms, and declining reimbursement margins, and the financial impact becomes much larger than most healthcare organizations realize. Urgent care centers and emergency departments face this challenge every day. A patient walks in with fever,