A recent study analyzing over 22 million urgent care visits has shed light on concerning patterns of inappropriate prescribing, including a high rate of glucocorticoid prescriptions for acute bronchitis.
Researchers found that antibiotics were frequently prescribed for non-infectious conditions, with otitis media being a notable example. Glucocorticoids were commonly prescribed for upper respiratory infections and sinusitis, but often inappropriately so. Opioids were also frequently filled for non-back musculoskeletal pain and abdominal pain.
The study’s findings suggest that clinician knowledge, patient demands, and lack of decision support contribute to inappropriate prescribing in urgent care settings. To address this issue, the authors recommend implementing antibiotic, glucocorticoid, and opioid stewardship programs to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and support long-term deprescribing efforts.
Limitations of the study include a limited population that may not be representative of the general population, and an analysis restricted to common CCSR categories which may have underestimated the extent of inappropriate prescribing.
Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/are-urgent-care-centers-contributing-medication-overuse-2025a1000iyi