May 2025 – Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, and overuse of antibiotics only accelerates the development of drug-resistant bacteria. At Primary Health Medical Group, we are one of the few outpatient healthcare providers committed to combating this issue through a dedicated antimicrobial stewardship program. By following evidence-based guidelines, actively monitoring our antibiotic use, and providing ongoing education to our providers and patients, we ensure that antibiotics are prescribed only when truly necessary. As a result, our urgent care clinics consistently outperform national averages in responsible antibiotic prescribing, making a measurable impact on public health in the Treasure Valley.
Antibiotics are drugs designed to kill or stop the growth of bacteria, making them effective for treating bacterial infections like strep throat and urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, antibiotics don’t work against viruses, which cause most respiratory illnesses like the common cold, the flu, and viral pharyngitis. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, a serious health threat where bacteria adapt and become harder to treat with standard medications, as well as disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your gut for weeks or even months, leading to nausea, appetite changes, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping. It can also cause more serious side effects, including allergic reactions and an increased risk of C. diff, a dangerous colon infection that can develop after just one course of antibiotics.
“In our urgent care centers, we recognize that respiratory illnesses are the most common diagnoses linked to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, particularly viral upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and viral pharyngitis,” explains Derek Hamblin, M.D., Director of Urgent Care at Primary Health. “To address this issue, we strictly follow the guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use.”
“Many patients believe they need antibiotics if they’re feeling very ill or have been sick for more than a few days, but this is usually not the case,” says Ann Weiss, M.D., Physician Director at Primary Health. “Most infections we see in urgent care are viral and typically resolve on their own within 7 to 14 days. Our goal is to provide the best care for every patient — and sometimes, the best care means not prescribing antibiotics.”
Like many healthcare organizations, Primary Health evaluates its performance using HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set), a nationally recognized standard for healthcare quality improvement. In 2023, our prescribing rate for viral bronchitis was just 16%, significantly lower than the 50% national average reported in 2022. In 2024, our prescribing rate for viral upper respiratory infections was just 4.5%, far below the 22% national average in 2022. Additionally, data from BioFire’s respiratory panel, a respiratory test conducted by hospitals around the country, showed that from 2023 to 2025, bacterial cases remained consistently low, peaking at just 5%. This data along with our HEDIS reviews, helps reinforce our approach by showing the vast majority of respiratory infections are viral and don’t require antibiotics.
To maintain these high standards, Dr. Hamblin and Dr. Weiss explained that Primary Health conducts annual reviews of antibiotic use for viral pharyngitis, bronchitis, and other common respiratory infections, and providers who exceed internal benchmarks receive direct feedback and additional education to ensure best practices are followed across all clinics. “Antibiotic stewardship is a work in progress,” Dr. Weiss concludes. “The best results happen when providers and patients work together to make smart decisions about antibiotics.”
Each year, an estimated 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S., resulting in approximately 35,000 deaths. Overprescribing and misuse of antibiotics are major contributors to this crisis, making antibiotic stewardship a top health priority. Primary Health’s commitment to responsible antibiotic use ensures better health outcomes for both individual patients and the broader community. By staying ahead of national standards and using real-time data to guide care, Primary Health is setting the standard for evidence-based, responsible antibiotic use.
If you are dealing with a cough, sore throat, or other symptoms, it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Primary Health has multiple urgent care clinics across the Treasure Valley where you can make an appointment or utilize our Patient Waiting feature to find the shortest line for the fastest care. Whether you need help managing symptoms or understanding if antibiotics are appropriate for your condition, our experienced providers are ready to help.