Ralph Gonzales, MD, MSPH

The authors used the modified Delphi method to develop local orthopedic referral guidelines, enabling detailed decision support and non—face-to-face consultation at the point of referral.

A quality measure reduced antibiotic use for patients with acute bronchitis but led to use of an alternative diagnosis, offsetting most of the observed improvement.

Rates of outpatient antibiotic prescribing vary widely between US commercial health plans. High-utilizing health plans may improve quality and lower costs by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.