It means that understanding your diagnosis and treatment—and trusting your physician—are essential in order to make the most informed decision about your care. This keeps you confidently on the road to long-term health and helps keep antibiotics working for everyone.
Here’s what it means to us.
We’re committed to improving the quality of life for individuals, communities and the world. Providing you with the right care at the right time—including when antibiotics are appropriate—is a key part of our mission.
Germs are like any good prizefighter. They get knocked down, but they’re not out. When antibiotics (their opponent) are the right course of action, germs take a hit and your health will improve; however, when the same medication is overprescribed and misused, often unnecessarily, those tough and crafty germs learn to adapt so they can get back up again and do their thing—make you sick.
The tougher and more resistant germs become to the tried-and-true treatment, the less power modern medicine has to knock them out.
Adding to the problem is the fact that while resistance is on the rise, the development of new antibiotics continues to decline. This further adds to the disparity between treatment options that work…and ones that don’t.
Antibiotics are a great solution when used at the right time, like for treating bacterial infections. But more and more, due to antibiotic resistance, they work less and less, even when they should. Antibiotics may also cause side effects (upset stomach, yeast infection, diarrhea), leaving you feeling worse than before. And also…a little scared. Because you’re not getting better.
This means another visit to the doctor. Maybe more visits to the doctor, because the next treatment doesn’t work, either. Now you’re also feeling frustrated—over the inconvenience and the added costs around care and medications that aren’t working.
You’re also starting to feel powerless. Because this infection still isn’t going away. And modern medicine is running out of solutions.
One study1 of 19 million U.S. patients found that 51.8% of all antibiotic prescriptions were “inappropriate” or “potentially inappropriate” (i.e., deemed medically unnecessary).
By contrast, a recent internal review2 of 98point6 prescribing practices found that only 15% of antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate or potentially inappropriate—a rate that is 71% lower.
Be informed. Educate yourself on when antibiotics are an effective course of action, and how misuse leads to antibiotic resistance.
Be your own advocate. Knowing the difference between bacterial vs. viral infections makes it easier to start a dialogue with your physician when antibiotics are or aren’t indicated.
Be open-minded. If you ask for antibiotics but your physician doesn’t think it’s the right treatment, trust that they are following practice standards set up to best support your health and keep drugs effective.
“The best doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. We bring medical knowledge and expertise, but you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to taking ownership of your care. I always appreciate when patients speak up and ask questions—it’s the starting point to a productive dialogue.”
Our doctors are your partners—try these thought-starters for a more productive discussion.
There are differences between a bacterial infection and a virus. This infographic shows what our physicians look for to ensure you get the most effective, timely treatment.