This individual would give guidance to the medical staff in its decision-making processes and in the initiation of policy. Then she or he would be the one who carries out any actions necessary. The medical staff would serve as the final reviewer of the material submitted for approval. However, it is not the fault of the patient, but of the physician. They prescribe antibiotics because the patient has a fever and a cough.
Doctors love antibiotics.
They aren't interested in decreasing their prescribing because they might miss something and get sued. I applaud any effort you can make to change these bad habits, but am not enthusiastic that it will work. Personally, my partners and I have discussed the probability that MOST, not all, of what we treat with antibiotics will probably get better with nothing. In our practice we strive for that. Jeffery J. Rabinovitz, MD, Placerville, CA Thank you for your insight about antibiotic use and misuse in the January 11, issue.