Required case information
A rush request should enter production only after the lab records the reason, exact promise, complete inputs, responsible owner, delivery method, and which existing commitments may be affected.
- Rush reason and promised due date
- Dentist priority and delivery method
- Required materials, files, and approvals
- Owner, stage, and downstream impact
Typical production stages
Rush work can use the normal production stages, but its priority decision and escalation owner must remain visible from acceptance through delivery confirmation.
- 1 Rush intake approval
- 2 Capacity check
- 3 Production assignment
- 4 Stage tracking
- 5 Quality check
- 6 Delivery confirmation and invoice
Common bottlenecks
- Rush requests accepted without capacity review
- Normal cases displaced without visibility
- Missing approvals discovered too late
- Delivery promises not communicated to the full team
Rush acceptance gate
Decide whether a rush promise is operationally credible
A rush label should represent a conscious tradeoff, not anxiety translated into a date. Use this gate before confirming the promise to the dentist.
| Gate | Accept when | Escalate or decline when |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs complete | Prescription, files, materials, and approvals support immediate work | Production would begin by guessing or waiting |
| Capacity visible | Each required stage has a realistic owner and time window | The promise assumes hidden overtime or unassigned work |
| Schedule tradeoff | Any displaced cases are identified and their owners are informed | Normal deadlines would move without a decision |
| Delivery feasible | Quality control and transport still fit before the promised handoff | The finish time leaves no QC or reliable delivery window |
The gate does not decide clinical urgency. It helps the lab make and communicate a production commitment using the capacity it can actually see.
Best practices
Require a rush reason and owner.
Review schedule impact before accepting a rush case.
Use a separate rush view or tag.
Confirm delivery and payment status after completion.