A new CDC study found nearly 33 percent of antibiotics providers prescribe are unnecessary.
Here are six takeaways:
1. The figure translates to 47 million additional prescriptions every year.
2. CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, warned inappropriately prescribing antibiotics could diminish their "lifesaving" effects.
3. Last year, the White House released The National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, which aimed to decrease inappropriate outpatient antibiotic use by at least half by 2020.
4. Nearly 13 percent of outpatient visits in the United States result in an antibiotic prescriptions.
5. If outpatient antibiotic use was cut by 15 percent overall, this would translate to nearly 23 million fewer antibiotics prescribed annually by 2020.
6. The CDC recommends healthcare organizations take necessary action by:
• Evaluating their prescribing habits and implementing antibiotic stewardship activities
• Providing communications training, clinical decision support, patient and health care provider education as well as feedback to providers on their performance
More articles on practice management:
Reimbursement pressure, new regulations, weakening referrals: Will independent physicians sell? 6 things to know
Dr. Billy Smith receives small business leader award: 4 quick facts
Florida Pain Relief Group names Dr. Abraham Rivera CMO — 5 takeaways