Geographic variability of antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections within a direct-to-consumer telemedicine practice

In this retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a national direct-to-consumer medical practice, we found that provider geographic location is a stronger driver of antibiotic prescribing than patient location. Physicians in the Northeast and South are significantly more likely than physicians in the West to prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory infection and bronchitis.

Automated summary

In this study, we found that provider geographic location is a stronger factor in antibiotic prescribing than patient location. Physicians in the Northeast and South are more likely to prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory infection and bronchitis compared to physicians in the West.