I need a Z-Pak

A patient called me on the phone while I was on call recently demanding a “Z-pak.”  A Z-pak, as many of you may know, is a popular prepackaged course of antibiotics commonly used for respiratory infections.

“Hello Ma’am, I’m Dr. Odom, what can I do for you?”  I asked.

“I need a Z-pak.”  Remarkably, this was her chief complaint.

“And what makes you think so?” I said.

“Well, I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat and runny nose.  Everyone in my office has been sick and they’ve called their doctor’s office and are taking Z-paks of antibiotics.  I don’t have time to be sick, so I need you to call in a Z-pak for me.”

After a few more questions to make sure she didn’t have any other symptoms or underlying conditions that would raise my concern level, I told her that her symptoms sounded viral and I didn’t think antibiotics of any kind would do her any good, but that she was welcome to come to the office the next day for further evaluation in person, or to go to a nearby walk-in clinic with weekend office hours.

Unfortunately, she then became quite agitated.  As I tried to explain my decision to her calmly and rationally, she interrupted with a few rude comments questioning my medical knowledge, then hung up on me.

A few useful points you can take away from this exchange: (more…)