December 2019
The winter months are a great time to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. Misuse of antibiotics is associated with unnecessary side effects, Clostridium Difficile infection and antibiotic resistance.
As shown in the chart here, Neighborhood’s 2019 Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS) rates are lower than other New England Health Plans. Neighborhood currently ranks in the Medicaid Quality Compass (QC) 10th percentile with a rate of 28.03. The QC 90th percentile is 48.88.
How can you help?
The CDC provides the following guidance when prescribing antibiotics:
- Protect your patients: Only prescribe antibiotics when they are needed. For example, most acute upper respiratory infections are viral and do not require antibiotics.
- Follow clinical guidelines: When prescribing antibiotics make sure to prescribe the right antibiotic, at the right dose, and for the right duration.
- Discuss side effects: Talk to your patients and their families about possible harms from antibiotics, such as allergic reactions, difficile, and antibiotic‐resistant infections.