>AFAIK bacterial infections are in-practice often only suspected not confirmed before prescribing anti-biotics so why emphasize this? It does happen but is a H

>AFAIK bacterial infections are in-practice often only suspected not confirmed before prescribing anti-biotics so why emphasize this? It does happen but is a HUGE problem in medicine. This doesn't mean this is the CORRECT procedure and exactly what I am talking about. Infection should be confirmed and correct antibiotic used. Plus, not all infections require antibiotics. >Like I said I think you are ignoring other incentives (Malpractice Risk, Bias for action etc.) at play that cause a Physician to look at the same situation and come to a more aggressive treatment plan than your armchair diagnosis. By not following guidelines and prescribing wrong medication or when medication does not help a specific problem the physician is a lot more likely to be sued if patient suffers from side effects.