Telehealth has revolutionized health care by making it more accessible and convenient. Although antibiotics have saved millions of lives, the growth of telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic may be contributing to a concerning new issue: antibiotic overuse.
On The Health Care Blog, I write about how telehealth may inadvertently increase the risk of antibiotic overuse, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Studies show higher antibiotic prescription rates during virtual consultations than during in-person visits, raising concerns about the quality of diagnoses and the influence of patient satisfaction on prescribing rates. This is a call for insurers, providers, and patients to work together to ensure antibiotics are prescribed and used responsibly.
Read my full piece here.
