Correlation of antimicrobial prescription rate and county income in medicare part D

This study was one of the first to show an association between patient income and antimicrobial prescription rate and found a county-level association between lower income and rate of antimicrobial prescriptions. We also determined the Southeast to be the region at highest risk of having a high rate of antimicrobial prescriptions. Findings from this study can help guide intervention efforts which aim to minimize the number of inappropriate antimicrobials prescribed, such as antimicrobial stewardship programs. Effective interventions have the capability of decreasing levels of inappropriate antimicrobials prescribed and prevent future cases of resistance.