Do you routinely discontinue atypical coverage in community-acquired pneumonia when PCR testing (i.e., respiratory pathogen panel) is negative for atypical organisms?
Answer from: at Academic Institution
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...
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.
Comments
at University of South Florida Morsani This is a very good point, but does this come at a...