Story perspectives

Experts Warn: Telehealth Risks Misdiagnosis in UTI Care

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A guide in JAMA Network Open addresses urinary tract infections (UTIs) and virtual care in the United States.
Millions seek urgent care for UTIs annually and often receive antibiotics without testing.
Experts warn this trend could fuel drug-resistant bacteria and miss diagnoses.
The guide, developed by Dr. Jennifer Meddings, notes telehealth may not ensure accurate diagnoses and allows antibiotic prescriptions without testing in travel-barrier cases.

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Story summary

A guide in JAMA Network Open addresses urinary tract infections (UTIs) and virtual care in the United States.
Millions seek urgent care for UTIs annually and often receive antibiotics without testing.
Experts warn this trend could fuel drug-resistant bacteria and miss diagnoses.
The guide, developed by Dr. Jennifer Meddings, notes telehealth may not ensure accurate diagnoses and allows antibiotic prescriptions without testing in travel-barrier cases.