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Do you routinely discontinue atypical coverage in community-acquired pneumonia when PCR testing (i.e., respiratory pathogen panel) is negative for atypical organisms?
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2 AnswersMednet Member
Hospital Medicine · Emory University Hospital
In community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), here is how I approach the decision to discontinue atypical coverage (e.g., azithromycin or doxycycline) when respiratory pathogen panel PCR testing is negative for atypical organisms (most commonly, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneum...
Mednet Member
Hospital Medicine · Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
There isn't much guidance or evidence on early discontinuation of atypical coverage.
- Respiratory panel PCR cost - $250
- Azithromycin 500 mg po x3 days - $15
I found that this is not cost-effective and don't routinely use PCR for discontinuation of atypical coverage.