Beware of Unnecessary Antibiotics at Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent care clinics seem to be popping up everywhere. They certainly offer great convenience for those who find themselves suffering from a sudden ailment or injury on a weekend or after normal doctor’s office hours, and an urgent care clinic may offer a far better experience than a hospital emergency room. However, according to a recent study, many patients who visit urgent care clinics are prescribed antibiotics that they do not need.
It is not uncommon for those suffering from a cold, the flu, or other similar conditions to visit an urgent care clinic seeking relief. As viruses, none of these conditions require antibiotics. Even so, nearly half of patients who visit urgent care clinics for these conditions receive an antibiotic anyway.
Although it may seem benign to receive an unnecessary antibiotic prescription, there is potential for unnecessary and severe side effects – even with just one dose. In addition, the improper and indiscriminate use of antibiotics puts everyone at risk by accelerating the emergence of resistant bacteria that cannot be stopped by drugs.
It was estimated in 2016 that nearly one-third of the antibiotics prescribed in the United States were unnecessary – that amounts to approximately 47 million prescriptions. These instances occurred in emergency rooms, hospital-based clinics, and doctors’ offices before information was available on urgent care clinics. Because of their growing number, urgent care clinics pose a huge risk of improper antibiotic prescription.
The high rate of unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics at these centers may be because unfamiliar health care providers are less likely to successfully convince patients that they do not need them. Patients tend to have greater faith in their own primary care doctors. Clinicians may feel pressured to comply out of fear that patients will post lower satisfaction scores on social media, which will have an impact on the clinic’s business.
If you have experienced negligent medical care, please call the New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP at 732-777-0100 to arrange a free consultation. You can also contact us online. Our offices are conveniently located in in Edison, Red Bank, and Toms River, and we represent clients throughout New Jersey.
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