Should you treat a symptomatic patient by phone when his child has confirmed strep throat?

Abstract

Although no studies specifically evaluate this question, treatment for Group A beta- hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis without laboratory confirmation in the general population is not advisable (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, based on consensus guidelines) due to poor diagnostic accuracy. When you suspect GABHS pharyngitis either clinically or epidemio-logically, confirm the diagnosis of pharyngitis by a laboratory test. Patients with a positive throat culture or a rapid antigen detection test should receive appropriate treatment with antimicrobial therapy (SOR: A, based on clinical trials).