CDC: Antibiotics for Bronchitis Not Needed but Still Given 80% of the Time

CDC: Antibiotics for Bronchitis Not Needed but Still Given 80% of the Time

In a recent article, CDC experts found that adults with bronchitis received an antibiotic nearly 80% of the time, an alarming rate given that antibiotics are not recommended for bronchitis at all.

In addition, CDC found once again that inappropriate prescribing is highest in the South, however improvement is needed across the board. According to Dr. Lauri Hicks, director of the Office of Antibiotic Stewardship at CDC, “Though drastic improvement is needed in the South, the data suggests that there are opportunities to improve antibiotic prescribing across the United States.”

Check out the full article here and find prescribing guidelines and improvement resources here.

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Variation in US Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing Quality Measures According to Health Plan and Geography