Antibiotic Prescribing For Acute Bronchitis Research Articles

Using state claims data to explore first-line antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory conditions—Minnesota, 2018–2019

Background: Nationally, >30% of all outpatient antibiotics are unnecessary or inappropriate, and only 52% of outpatients with sinusitis, otitis media, or pharyngitis receive recommended first-line antibiotics. The Minnesota All Payer Claims Database (MN APCD) collects medical claims, pharmacy claims, and eligibility files from private and public healthcare payers. We analyzed claims to describe overall and firstline antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis, adult acute sinusitis, and pediatric patients. Results: We analyzed 3,502,013 respiratory events from 1,612,501 members. Acute bronchitis accounted for 179,723 events (5.1%), acute sinusitis accounted for 236,901 adult events (10%), and otitis media accounted for 232,226 pediatric events (19%). Also, 73,385 bronchitis diagnoses (~40%) had no associated antibiotic. Antibiotics were associated with 199,445 adult sinusitis events (84.2%), of which 89,386 (44.8%) were firstline antibiotics, and 190,962 pediatric otitis media events (82.2%), of which 126,859 (66.4%) were firstline antibiotics. Common antibiotic classes used when a firstline drug was not selected were macrolides (28.9%) and tetracyclines (26.8%) for adult acute sinusitis and cephalosporins (61.4%) and macrolides (30.6%) for pediatric otitis media. Compared to the least vulnerable quartile, the most vulnerable social vulnerability index (SVI) quartile had lower odds of receiving firstline antibiotics for adult acute sinusitis if antibiotics were prescribed (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87–0.94) and higher odds of receiving firstline antibiotics for pediatric otitis media if antibiotics were prescribed (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12–1.21). Conclusions: Improvement is needed in avoiding antibiotics for acute bronchitis and selecting firstline drugs for sinusitis and otitis media. Additional analyses adjusting for demographic, geographic, and prescriber factors are planned to better understand differences in prescribing appropriateness among Minnesotans.Disclosures: None

Assessing the impact of Geo-demographic factors on antibiotic prescribing for adults with acute, uncomplicated bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is a common reason patients seek primary care and has predominately viral causes. Yet, antibiotics are often prescribed despite limited evidence of clinical benefit. Interventions targeting antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis have reduced prescribing, but rates continued to remain higher than expected. There is also a paucity of data describing variability in antibiotic prescribing and its determinants; specifically, non-clinical, patient-level factors. Identifying non-clinical determinants of antibiotic prescribing for bronchitis could inform better care for these patients in primary care. To assess the impact of geo-demographic factors on antibiotic prescribing for ambulatory adults with acute, uncomplicated bronchitis. Cohort study. Ambulatory clinics, urgent cares and emergency departments within a large, single U.S. health-system. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of bronchitis in 2019. Predictors of antibiotic prescribing. There were 63,051 unique patients (mean age 48±18 years); 62.7% were female and 78.7% were non-Hispanic Caucasians. Of providers, 66.7% were physicians. Patients who were older (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.02), male (1.06, 1.03-1.10), black (1.21, 1.14-1.29), smoked (1.16, 1.12-1.20), had a nurse practitioner v. physician provider (1.11, 1.06-1.16) or a physician assistant v. physician provider (1.06, 1.01-1.11) were more likely to receive antibiotics. Patients who were Hispanic (0.87, 0.82-0.94), or Asian (0.85, 0.75-0.96) were less likely to receive antibiotics. Additionally, patients who had Medicare (0.78, 0.74-0.82), Medicaid (0.73, 0.69-0.77) or Exchange insurance (0.90, 0.82-0.98) or lived in a U.S. Census Block group with larger number of households without vehicles (0.66, 0.52-0.85) were less likely to receive antibiotics. Those living in an area with more owner-occupied housing were more likely to receive antibiotics (1.39, 1.25-1.53). The distance between a patient's residence and the encounter location did not impact the likelihood of antibiotic prescribing. This study identified antibiotic prescribing disparities for adults with acute bronchitis at the level of the patient, prescriber and the patient residential area. Interventions targeting antibiotic prescribing in this population should consider the role these factors have in prescribing decisions.

Improving antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis in the ambulatory setting using a multifaceted approach.

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed inappropriately for acute respiratory infections in the outpatient setting. We report the implementation of a multifaceted outpatient antimicrobial stewardship initiative resulting in a 12.3% absolute reduction of antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis in primary care clinics receiving active interventions.

Addressing Antibiotic Overuse in the Outpatient Setting: Lessons From Behavioral Economics

Addressing Antibiotic Overuse in the Outpatient Setting: Lessons From Behavioral Economics

Factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis at a university health center

BackgroundAntibiotics are not indicated for treating acute bronchitis cases, yet up to 70% of adult acute bronchitis medical visits in the USA result in an antibiotic prescription. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis is a key antibiotic stewardship goal set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding what factors influence prescribing for bronchitis cases can inform antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with antibiotic prescribing at a high-volume student health center at a large US university. The Pennsylvania State University Health Services offers on-campus medical care to a population of over 40,000 students and receives over 50,000 visits every year.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of acute bronchitis visits for the 2015–2016 academic year and used a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with antibiotic prescribing.ResultsFindings during lung exams increased the likelihood of an antibiotic prescription (rales OR 13.95, 95% CI 3.31–80.73; rhonchi OR 5.50, 95% CI 3.08–10.00; percussion abnormality OR 13.02, 95% CI 4.00–50.09). Individual clinicians had dramatically different rates of prescribing (OR range 0.03–12.3). Male patients were more likely than female patients to be prescribed antibiotics (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17–2.41). Patients who reported longer duration since the onset of symptoms were slightly more likely to receive prescriptions (OR 1.04 per day, 95% CI 1.03–1.06), as were patients who reported worsening symptoms (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03–3.10). Visits with diagnoses or symptoms associated with viral infections or allergies were less likely to result in prescriptions (upper respiratory tract infection (URI) diagnosis OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18–0.58; sneezing OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.86; vomiting OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.83). An exam finding of anterior cervical lymphadenopathy was associated with antibiotic prescribing (tender OR 3.85, 95% CI 1.70–8.83; general OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.25–5.54).ConclusionsSuspicious findings during lung examinations (rales, rhonchi, percussion abnormality) and individual healthcare providers were important factors influencing antibiotic prescribing rates for acute bronchitis visits. Patient gender, worsening symptoms, duration of illness, symptoms associated with viral infections or allergies, and anterior cervical lymphadenopathy also influenced prescribing rates.

1880. Reducing Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Bronchitis in Outpatient Settings Using a Multifaceted Approach

BackgroundNebraska (NE) ranks among the highest states for per capita antibiotic (AB) use in outpatient (OP) settings. Nebraska Medicine (NM) partnered with NE Antimicrobial Stewardship Assessment and Promotion Program (ASAP), a program funded by NE DHHS via a CDC grant, to reduce AB prescribing for acute bronchitis in OP settings.MethodsThe antimicrobial stewardship (AS) pilot program targeted NM OP clinics during winter 2018. All OP facility clinicians were notified of the availability of online AS educational videos. In addition, 5 primary care clinics (PCC) received clinician-directed interventions that included acute respiratory infection management pocket guides and posters for display in workrooms. Another 5 PCC received both clinician- and patient-directed interventions (examination room patient empowerment posters, Be Antibiotic Aware pledge cards and brochures). We compared AB prescribing rates for acute bronchitis between January and April 2017 and January and April 2018 among the 2 PCC groups and a control group of 5 immediate care clinics/emergency departments (ICC/ED). Clinicians in all 10 PCC were surveyed to assess usefulness of the AS campaign.ResultsA total of 593 acute bronchitis diagnosis encounters were included. AB prescribing rates for acute bronchitis for the 15 sites decreased from 53.7% to 43.6% (P = 0.02). Prescribing rates were unchanged in ICC/ED that received only notification of online educational videos (40.8% vs. 41.5%, P = 1.00) but were reduced in clinics that received clinician-directed (74.5% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.01) and patient-directed (61.1% vs. 48.8%, P = 0.07) interventions. Azithromycin was the most commonly prescribed AB (31.5% in 2017 and 29.8% in 2018). After the AS campaign, only the clinician-directed intervention group saw a reduction in azithromycin prescribing (33.3% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.05). Out of 51 clinicians who completed the survey, 45.1% felt campaign tools facilitated meaningful discussion with patients. Workroom posters and pocket guides were reported by 47.1% and 39.2% to be somewhat or extremely helpful, respectively.ConclusionThis OP AS campaign led to a significant reduction in AB prescribing. Successful OP AS campaigns need multifaceted approaches but targeted clinician interventions appear most beneficial.Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Bronchitis in Children and Impact on Subsequent Episodes of Care and Treatment.

To examine whether inappropriate antibiotic treatment for an initial bout of acute bronchitis in childhood affects patterns of future healthcare utilization and antibiotic prescribing. We conducted a retrospective analysis of children with at least 1 acute bronchitis episode, defined as the 14-day period after an acute bronchitis visit, born in 2008 and followed through 2015 in a nationally representative commercial claims database. We predicted the likelihood of returning for a subsequent acute bronchitis episode, and being prescribed an antibiotic as part of that episode, as a function of whether or not the child was prescribed an antibiotic as part of the first acute bronchitis episode controlling for patient, provider and practice characteristics. Children prescribed an antibiotic as part of their initial acute bronchitis episode were more likely both to have a subsequent acute bronchitis episode (hazard ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.30) and to be prescribed an antibiotic as part of that second episode (hazard ratio = 2.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.99-2.28) compared with children who were not prescribed as part of their first episode. Children diagnosed with asthma were more likely to experience a second visit for acute bronchitis, but less likely to receive an antibiotic as part of that second episode. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for a child's initial acute bronchitis episode of care predicted likelihood of subsequent acute bronchitis episodes and antibiotic prescriptions. Providers should consider the downstream effect of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis in childhood.

Antibiotic prescribing for children in primary care and adherence to treatment guidelines.

Antibiotic use is unnecessarily high for paediatric respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in primary care, and implementation of treatment guidelines is difficult in practice. This study aims to assess guideline adherence to antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in children and examine potential variations across Dutch general practices. We conducted a retrospective observational study, deriving data on diagnoses and prescriptions from the electronic health records-based NIVEL Primary Care Database. Patients <18 years of age with a diagnosis of fever, ear and respiratory infections (International Classification of Primary Care codes A03, H71, R72, R75, R76, R78 and R81) during 2010-12 were included. Antibiotics were linked to episodes of illness. Two types of disease-specific outcomes were used to assess adherence to national guidelines regarding antibiotic prescribing choices. Inter-practice variability in adherence was assessed with multilevel analysis. Half of the episodes with RTIs with restrictive prescribing policy and 65% of episodes with pneumonia were treated with antibiotics. General practitioners prescribed antibiotics for 40% of episodes with bronchitis, even though guidelines discourage antibiotic prescribing. First-choice antibiotics were prescribed in 50%-85% of episodes with selected diseases, with lowest values for narrow-spectrum penicillins. Levels of adherence to guidelines varied widely between diagnoses and between practices. Most paediatric RTIs in the Netherlands continue to be treated with antibiotics conservatively. Potential aspects of concern are the inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis and the underuse of some first-choice antibiotics. Continuing progress may be achieved by targeting practices with lower adherence rates to guidelines.

Primary care clinicians' perceptions about antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis: a qualitative study.

BackgroundClinicians prescribe antibiotics to over 65% of adults with acute bronchitis despite guidelines stating that antibiotics are not indicated.MethodsTo identify and understand primary care clinician perceptions about antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 primary care clinicians in Boston, Massachusetts and used thematic content analysis.ResultsAll the participants agreed with guidelines that antibiotics are not indicated for acute bronchitis and felt that clinicians other than themselves were responsible for overprescribing. Barriers to guideline adherence included 6 themes: (1) perceived patient demand, which was the main barrier, although some clinicians perceived a recent decrease; (2) lack of accountability for antibiotic prescribing; (3) saving time and money; (4) other clinicians’ misconceptions about acute bronchitis; (5) diagnostic uncertainty; and (6) clinician dissatisfaction in failing to meet patient expectations. Strategies to decrease inappropriate antibiotic prescribing included 5 themes: (1) patient educational materials; (2) quality reporting; (3) clinical decision support; (4) use of an over-the-counter prescription pad; and (5) pre-visit triage and education by nurses to prevent visits.ConclusionsClinicians continued to cite patient demand as the main reason for antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis, though some clinicians perceived a recent decrease. Clinicians felt that other clinicians were responsible for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and that better pre-visit triage by nurses could prevent visits and change patients’ expectations.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-014-0194-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of clinical decision support on receipt of antibiotic prescriptions for acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infection.

Antibiotics are commonly recognized as non-indicated for acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infection (URI), yet their widespread use persists. Clinical decision support in the form of electronic warnings is hypothesized to prevent non-indicated prescriptions. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of clinical decision support on a common type of non-indicated prescription. Using National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data from 2006 to 2010, ambulatory visits with a primary diagnosis of acute bronchitis or URI and orders for antibiotic prescriptions were identified. Visits were classified on the basis of clinician report of decision-support use. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effect of decision support on likelihood of antibiotic prescription receipt, controlling for patient, provider, and practice characteristics. Clinician use of decision support increased sharply between 2006 (16% of visits) and 2010 (55%). Antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis and URI increased from ∼35% of visits in 2006 to ∼45% by 2010. Use of decision support was associated with a 19% lower likelihood of receiving an antibiotic prescription, controlling for patient, provider, and practice characteristics. In spite of the increased use of decision-support systems and the relatively fewer non-indicated antibiotic prescriptions resulting from the use of decision support, a secular upward trend in non-indicated antibiotic prescribing offset these improvements. The overall effect of decision support suggests an important role for technology in reducing non-indicated prescriptions. Decision support alone may not be sufficient to eliminate non-indicated prescriptions given secular trends.

High Rate of Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Bronchitis — Still!

During the past 15 years, national education programs have focused on eliminating inappropriate use of antibiotics generally and expensive, broad-spectrum antibiotics specifically. To determine whether these programs have had any effect, investigators used data from two national surveys of ambulatory care in physicians' offices and hospital outpatient facilities …

One size does not fit all: evaluating an intervention to reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis

BackgroundOveruse of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) and acute bronchitis is a persistent and vexing problem. In the U.S., more than half of all patients with upper respiratory tract infections and acute bronchitis are treated with antibiotics annually, despite the fact that most cases are viral in etiology and are not responsive to antibiotics. Interventions aiming to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing have had mixed results, and successes have been modest. The objective of this evaluation is to use mixed methods to understand why a multi-level intervention to reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis among primary care providers resulted in measurable improvement in only one third of participating clinicians.MethodsClinician perspectives on print-based and electronic intervention strategies, and antibiotic prescribing more generally, were elicited through structured telephone surveys at high and low performing sites after the first year of intervention at the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania (n = 29).ResultsCompared with a survey on antibiotic use conducted 10 years earlier, clinicians demonstrated greater awareness of antibiotic resistance and how it is impacted by individual prescribing decisions—including their own. However, persistent perceived barriers to reducing prescribing included patient expectations, time pressure, and diagnostic uncertainty, and these factors were reported as differentially undermining specific intervention components’ effectiveness. An exam room poster depicting a diagnostic algorithm was the most popular strategy.ConclusionsFuture efforts to reduce antibiotic prescribing should address multi-level barriers identified by clinicians and tailor strategies to differences at individual clinician and group practice levels, focusing in particular on changing how patients and providers make decisions together about antibiotic use.

Factors affecting antibiotic decisions for upper respiratory tract infections I: A survey of family physicians

Identifying factors associated with the ubiquitous inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) will help develop effective interventions and decrease antimicrobial resistance. Surveys were mailed to family physicians in Ontario, Canada. The survey assessed antibiotic prescribing for URTIs and a wide range of influences on antibiotic decisions. Multivariate models of inappropriate prescribing were generated. 316 of 544 (58%) family physicians completed surveys. Associated with self-reported antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis were patients with obligations (OR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.6), physicians with positive antibiotic use attitudes (OR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9), satisfaction antibiotics best for patients (OR 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), and knowledgeable patients (OR 0.5; 95% CI, 03-0.8). Associated with antibiotic prescribing for influenza were patients with obligations (OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8), patients thought to be seeking antibiotics (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9), and attending university and profession sponsored courses (OR 0.7; 95% CI, 0.4-1.0). Associated with not prescribing first line antibiotics for acute sinusitis were pharmaceutical industry influence (OR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3), solo practice (OR 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-5.0), and recommending rest and simple analgesics (OR 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8). Associated with not prescribing first line antibiotics for streptococcal pharyngitis were pharmaceutical industry influence (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5), physician age (OR 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.1), and perceived importance of clinical guidelines (OR 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.8). Health care workers should be informed of the influence of perceived patient motivation and the pharmaceutical industry on antibiotic use for URTIs and these insights included in interventions targeting inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.

Ambulatory Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Bronchitis and Cough and Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Infections: Time Trends Analysis

To examine the relationship between ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis and cough with hospital admissions for respiratory infections in the USA between 1996 and 2003. Analysis of data on antibiotic prescribing for episodes of acute bronchitis/cough illness in ambulatory care and hospitalization for respiratory infections for adults between 1996 and 2003 in the USA. USA: ambulatory prescribing behaviour was derived from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey while hospitalizations in acute care hospitals were assessed in the National Hospital Discharge Survey. Adults 18-64 years old. None. Proportion of visits for acute bronchitis/cough receiving a prescription for antibiotics and hospitalization for respiratory infections. Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing practices for acute bronchitis/cough and hospitalizations for respiratory infections exhibited non-linear patterns over the 8 year period. However, antibiotic prescribing practices for acute bronchitis/cough and hospitalizations for respiratory infections had a weak/moderate negative association. For three of the seven yearly changes in prescribing and hospitalizations as one increased the other decreased (P<0.01). Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections was inversely associated with hospital admissions for respiratory tract infections.

Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis and cough and hospital admissions for respiratory infections: time trends analysis

To examine the relationship between ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis and cough with hospital admissions for respiratory infections in the USA between 1996 and 2003. Analysis of data on antibiotic prescribing for episodes of acute bronchitis/cough illness in ambulatory care and hospitalization for respiratory infections for adults between 1996 and 2003 in the USA. USA: ambulatory prescribing behaviour was derived from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey while hospitalizations in acute care hospitals were assessed in the National Hospital Discharge Survey. Adults 18-64 years old. None. Proportion of visits for acute bronchitis/cough receiving a prescription for antibiotics and hospitalization for respiratory infections. Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing practices for acute bronchitis/cough and hospitalizations for respiratory infections exhibited non-linear patterns over the 8 year period. However, antibiotic prescribing practices for acute bronchitis/cough and hospitalizations for respiratory infections had a weak/moderate negative association. For three of the seven yearly changes in prescribing and hospitalizations as one increased the other decreased (P<0.01). Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections was inversely associated with hospital admissions for respiratory tract infections.

Why are antibiotics prescribed for patients with acute bronchitis? A postintervention analysis.

Despite the findings in controlled trials that antibiotics provide limited benefit in the treatment of acute bronchitis, physicians frequently prescribe antibiotics for acute bronchitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether certain patient or provider characteristics could predict antibiotic use for acute bronchitis in a system where antibiotic use had already been substantially reduced through quality-improvement efforts. A retrospective chart review was performed in an academic family medicine training center that had previously instituted a quality-improvement project to reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis. Patients who had acute bronchitis diagnosed during an 18-month period and who had no other secondary diagnosis for respiratory distress or a condition that would justify antibiotics were selected from a computerized-record database and included in the study (n = 135). Charts were reviewed to document patient symptoms, physical findings, provider and patient characteristics, and treatment. Thirty-five (26%) patients received antibiotics for their acute bronchitis. Adults were more likely to receive antibiotics than children (34% vs 3%, P < .001). Analysis of 20 different symptoms and physical findings showed that symptoms and signs were poor predictors of antibiotic use. Likewise, no significant differences were found based on prescribing habits of individual providers or provider level of training. In a setting where antibiotic use for acute bronchitis had been decreased through an ongoing quality-improvement effort, it did not appear that providers selectively used antibiotics for patients with certain symptoms or signs. Other factors, such as nonclinical cues, might drive antibiotic prescribing even after clinical variation is suppressed.

Improving quality or shifting diagnoses? What happens when antibiotic prescribing is reduced for acute bronchitis?

A quality improvement project in an academic practice demonstrated a reduction in antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis. However, it was unclear whether this represented a reduction in antibiotic use or whether physicians assigned new diagnoses to the same patients to avoid scrutiny and continue to use antibiotic therapy. To examine whether a substantial amount of diagnostic shifting occurred while antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis decreased during a 14-month period (from January 1, 1996, to February 28, 1997). All patient diagnoses of acute bronchitis, acute sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and pneumonia were determined for the 14 months of the acute bronchitis intervention. The relative distribution of patients among these 4 diagnostic categories was compared to determine if the percentage of patients with acute bronchitis decreased while those with acute sinusitis and pneumonia increased during the acute bronchitis intervention. The percentage of patients with the diagnosis of acute bronchitis remained unchanged during the 14-month period while antibiotic use for this condition decreased from 66% of cases to less than 21% of cases. Instead of the patients being assigned a different diagnosis such as acute sinusitis so that antibiotic prescribing would not be scrutinized, as we hypothesized, the relative number of diagnoses for acute sinusitis compared with acute bronchitis actually declined during the 14 months. No change was noted in the relative frequency of acute bronchitis cases compared with pneumonia cases. During a 14-month period when an intervention was successful at reducing antibiotic use for acute bronchitis, there was no evidence that physicians shifted patients from the diagnosis of acute bronchitis to other diagnoses.