Summer 2009
Antibiotics are contraindicated in adults with acute bronchitis
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) 2008 claims data show that physicians are prescribing antibiotics for members with acute bronchitis. This conflicts with the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) guidelines and criteria for treatment of adults with acute bronchitis. The data excludes members with co-morbid conditions that may require antibiotic treatment for acute bronchitis.
Antibiotics are prescribed for nonbacterial bronchitis nearly 80 percent of the time.1 Because misuse and overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic drug resistance,2 part of our ongoing commitment to quality is to implement new measures to monitor acute bronchitis among our members.
Your help is needed. As a medical professional, you know that patients seek a physician’s recommendation in considering their options for treatment of nonbacterial bronchitis.
BCBSF’s goal is to support our providers’ recommendations, while educating patients on recommended therapies for acute bronchitis.
With these concerns in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a leaflet for you to share with your patients that outlines the impact of antibiotics in acute bronchitis. You may access the leaflet at the following link: http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/campaign-materials.htm.
If you need additional information, call the Provider Contact Center at (800) 727-2227.
1 According to the 2008 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) Guidelines. The HEDIS Guidelines do not define standard of care or replace a physician’s judgment, and may not apply to all patients and all clinical situations. 2 Bartlett, J.G. “Principles of appropriate antibiotic use for treatment of nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections in adults”. Annals of Internal Medicine 134: 490-494. |
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Date Last Reviewed:
5/26/2009
Date Last Modified:
5/26/2009