02/11/2026
📢 New clinical guide aims to improve how UTIs are diagnosed and treated as telehealth use grows.
With more people using virtual care for urinary tract infections, doctors worry that antibiotics may be prescribed too often without proper testing. A new national guide gives clinicians clear steps to decide when to order lab tests and when antibiotics are truly needed, helping ensure better care — whether in person or online.
The guide includes separate tools for men and non-pregnant women, covers complex cases, and helps doctors spot signs of more serious issues like kidney infections. It also acknowledges that while telehealth improves access for patients, accurate diagnosis still often depends on proper testing.
Overall, the goal is to balance the convenience of telehealth with appropriate antibiotic use and better patient outcomes for one of the most common reasons people seek care.
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