Our Commitment to Responsible Antibiotic Use
At Hendrick Urgent Care, your health and safety are our top priorities. Our team is proud to be part of the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and the College of Urgent Care Medicine® (CUCM) Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation program, which recognizes urgent care organizations committed to responsible antibiotic prescribing practices.
What Is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotics are powerful medicines used to treat bacterial infections. However, when antibiotics are used too often or incorrectly, bacteria can adapt and become resistant. This means that antibiotics may no longer work to treat infections, making illnesses harder to cure and increasing the risk of severe complications.
How Does Antibiotic Resistance Develop?
Antibiotic resistance doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up over time when bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics and they survive. Each time antibiotics are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, a few stronger bacteria may survive. These resistant bacteria can multiply, spread to others, and cause infections that are much harder to treat. Because of this, safe antibiotic use is so critical.
Some of the most common causes of antibiotic resistance include:
- Taking antibiotics for viral infections like the flu or common cold, which they can’t treat
- Not finishing a full course of antibiotics, allowing surviving bacteria to regroup
- Using leftover antibiotics or taking someone else’s prescription
- Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and animal farming, which can affect human health
The more often bacteria encounter antibiotics, the more chances they have to adapt and become immune. Eventually, some infections may no longer respond to standard treatments. That’s why both healthcare providers and patients must work together to use antibiotics wisely — only when truly needed and exactly as prescribed.
Why We Limit Antibiotics at Hendrick Urgent Care
Many common illnesses, like colds, flu, most sore throats, and some sinus or ear infections, are caused by viruses — not bacteria. Since antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, prescribing them for viral illnesses does not help you get better and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
By limiting antibiotic prescriptions, we help:
- Prevent unnecessary side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or allergic reactions
- Reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Ensure antibiotics remain effective when truly needed for future serious conditions
This responsible use of antibiotics protects your health today while preserving the power of antibiotics for future generations. At Hendrick Urgent Care, we focus on addressing the root cause of your illness — not just the symptoms — by using evidence-based, effective treatment methods.
When Are Antibiotics Necessary?
Our medical providers carefully evaluate each patient to determine the best treatment plan. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections such as:
- Urinary tract infections
- Strep Throat
- Some ear infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
If an antibiotic is not needed, we will recommend other treatments to help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.
How You Can Help
You play a key role in preventing antibiotic resistance. Here’s how:
- Trust Your Provider’s Advice: If an antibiotic isn’t necessary, rest assured that we will offer the best alternative treatments.
- Take Antibiotics Exactly as Prescribed: If given an antibiotic, finish the full course even if you start to feel better.
- Prevent Infections: Wash your hands regularly, stay up to date on vaccines, and practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of illness.
By taking these steps, you not only aid your own recovery but also contribute to protecting your community against the rising challenge of antibiotic resistance. Together, we can ensure antibiotics remain effective when they are truly essential.
Understanding the Importance of Safe Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives by treating bacterial infections effectively. However, they must be used carefully to ensure they remain effective for future generations. Safe antibiotic use means only taking antibiotics when truly necessary and exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. At Hendrick Urgent Care, we’re committed to educating our patients about why this matters and how you can be part of the solution.
What the UCA & CUCM Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation Means
At Hendrick Urgent Care, we are proud to have earned the Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation from the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and the College of Urgent Care Medicine® (CUCM). This prestigious national recognition is awarded to urgent care centers that excel in promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.
Want to know how centers earn this honor? They must meet strict criteria, demonstrating a commitment to patient care and antibiotic stewardship, including:
- Implementing evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic prescribing.
- Offering staff training on antibiotic resistance and best practices.
- Educating patients on the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics.
- Monitoring and report antibiotic prescribing trends.
- Committing to ongoing improvement in antibiotic stewardship initiatives.
This recognition highlights our dedication to providing effective patient care while protecting public health by combating antibiotic resistance. It underscores our commitment to delivering treatment that is both clinically sound and aligned with national standards.
When you choose Hendrick Urgent Care, you can trust that your treatment plan is crafted with your well-being — and the future of healthcare — at its core.
Learn More
For more information about antibiotic resistance and safe antibiotic use, visit the CDC’s Antibiotic Use Website.
At Hendrick Urgent Care, we’re here to provide the right care at the right time—while ensuring antibiotics remain effective for future generations. Thank you for trusting us with your health!