Medical providers have prescribed antibiotics for years—and with good reason. These medicines treat and fight bacterial infections, which occur frequently. However, when people misuse antibiotics, they drive an increase in antibiotic resistance. Keep reading to learn why providers don’t always prescribe antibiotics as the best solution.
What are antibiotics used for?
Antibiotic Facts
Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria in humans. They work by killing harmful bacteria or preventing them from multiplying and spreading.
Doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and whooping cough. They also use them for serious, life-threatening conditions when bacteria are the cause. Examples include sepsis, which occurs when the body has an extreme response to infection, and pneumonia, a severe lung infection.
Since their introduction in the 1940s, antibiotics have saved countless lives and greatly reduced illness and deaths from infectious diseases. However, antibiotics are not always the right solution. In some cases—such as viral infections like colds or the flu—antibiotics offer no benefit and may even contribute to antibiotic resistance if used inappropriately.
What is antibiotic resistance?
When providers overprescribe antibiotics or patients fail to follow instructions, bacteria can develop resistance. In these cases, the bacteria survive despite the drugs designed to kill them and continue to grow and spread. This resistance makes infections harder to treat and limits the effectiveness of future treatments. Globally, antibiotic resistance contributes to an estimated 1.27 million deaths each year.
What is antibiotic stewardship?
Antibiotic stewardship means committing to using antibiotics wisely. Providers improve patient care by carefully selecting the right antibiotic and only prescribing it when necessary. Educating patients on following the prescribed instructions helps ensure infections are treated effectively and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance.
1. Antibiotics can save lives, but being sick doesn’t mean you need them. 2. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed could have harmful side effects. 3. Antibiotics do not work against viruses like colds, flu, runny nose, or bronchitis. 4. Respiratory infections caused by a virus usually go away in two weeks without treatment. 5. Ask your primary healthcare professional for recommendations to feel better while fighting a virus 6. Antibiotics can create resistance in bacteria. Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. 7. Taking antibiotics incorrectly increases the chances that bacteria will become resistant to the antibiotic.
For more information on antibiotic prescribing and use, please visit the CDC.
The people that this particular Doc-Aid facility were fast, efficient, helpful, and made my wife and I feel that we were going to get the health aid we needed. They made us feel at ease and I strongly believe they made a correct diagnosis.
Service was great but they’re doing construction during open hours, being sick and hearing a hacksaw outside the patient door made it a horrible experience. Fire alarms going off and the doctor having to yell to have a conversation. I understand remodeling must be done but close early or have them come after hours.
They take FOREVER to see you. They put you in a waiting room, and have you waiting literally an hour just to see the doctor. I've been here for over an hour, and no one has come to talk to me or see me. All I wanted was a consultant, and they can't even do that right. My appointment was at 2:00pm, and it's 3:25pm and still have not been seen by anyone but the medical assistant.
Im a truck driver and was in the area delivering, I had a huge skin abscess on my butt and was in immense pain and discomfort Walked in and within minutes was getting examined and prepped to get it removed and taken care of. The entire staff was very helpful and friendly, I really appreciate and thank them so much, grateful for every one of them
I was in and out very quickly, the staff was extremely helpful, respectful, courteous and explained everything in detail. I never have an issue going to DOC-AID. Absolutely would recommend.
Thank you for your positive feedback. We're delighted you had a satisfying experience, as our team aims to deliver exceptional service. We hope to be your preferred healthcare provider.Doc-Aid Urgent Care Team
Staff is incredible! Always very corteous and helpful. Super pateint when it comes to service.Never a long wait, even on "walk ins". Big Kudos to the front staff / Karen. I've done walk ins several times and no matter who is working in the admitting area they make me feel like I matter to them. M.A. Mario and N.P. Gabriel some off the most patient and understanding medical people I have ever dealt with. 5 STARS !!!
Response from the owner 17:08 29 Nov 23
We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our staff! It's encouraging to see our efforts to prioritize every patient's needs are appreciated. We're delighted that Mario, Steve, and Jesse gave you the care you deserve. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.DOC-AID SAUNDERS
Actually liked that during the preregistration questionnaire I was text with a human. The place was clean and the people there were very professional and thorough. I will going here for ally medical needs.
My daughter felt immediately comfortable and at ease, which made the visit so much smoother. The doctor was kind, patient, and took the time to explain everything in detail, answering all our questions with care. It was clear that the doctor truly values the well-being of their patients. Overall, we left feeling confident and reassured. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a compassionate and professional Dr Oscar Villarreal and staff at DOCAID
Response from the owner 16:59 19 Aug 25
Our aim is to make all our patients comfortable and informed about their care. Thanks for your recommendation. We appreciate your positive feedback and are always here to help.DOC-AID Urgent Care Team
Dr. Camille is awesome. She spent time talking with me, explained everything clearly and made me feel like she cares about my medical condition. She is tremendous.
Response from the owner 11:00 07 Aug 25
Your positive feedback is highly valued. We're committed to providing the best possible care to all. We're here to help you.DOC-AID Urgent Care Team
Excellent service! The lady at the front desk, Michelle, was very kind. The doctor and assistant were also extremely friendly.
Response from the owner 05:30 05 Aug 25
We're pleased that our team was friendly and helpful! It's our commitment to deliver high-quality assistance to our patients. We're always here to help.DOC-AID Urgent Care Team
Going into the place office, the place was very clean and fresh! The receptionist was very quick to check us in, and very friendly! The nurse practitioner was very thorough, friendly, and welcoming. Definitely recommend this place!
I loved this urgent care. I took my son a few times best doc. Until yesterday while I was at work my mom took my daughter. The front desk lady kept telling my mom that my daughters ss# was invalid. That the system was down. BS! My mom told the front desk lady that my daughter had medicaid with MOLINA. And there was this other girl working there said a comment WHAT IS MONLINA? what is that.? Like you work there and don’t know your insurances. I call that racism. Never going back again. Believe me I told off the front desk lady by phone I had to leave work and pulled up. She didn’t believe my daughter had social security or Medicaid. Worst service!
Response from the owner 05:40 29 Jul 25
We aim for all our patients to have a comfortable experience. We regret the inconvenience. We can't discuss medical details online due to HIPAA regulations, but please reach out to us directly to discuss your concerns and find a suitable solution.DOC-AID Urgent Care Team
Great experience and totally satisfied with their patient care.
Response from the owner 08:30 19 Jul 25
Our team is committed to delivering superior service and support to all patients. We appreciate your positive feedback and are always here to help.DOC-AID Urgent Care Team
Everything is great here, you go in and out and it’s so simple. Zurita the provider was super helpful. Daylene was super polite and made me feel welcome when I walked in, she also answered my questions about the information I was filling out. The Nurses Kayla and Ashley were super sweet, I loved it here. will definitely be back.
Very professional, friendly, and quick! The ladies were very helpful and courteous. I was able to be seen in a timely manner and they were constantly communicating.
I recently visited an urgent care clinic with my daughter, who was experiencing UTI symptoms. Katia, the nurse practitioner, along with Anissa and Ashley, provided care during our visit. I found them to be attentive and patient while addressing my toddler's needs. The overall service was efficient, and I appreciated the support they offered during our time there.
Went for my daughter's sports physical I believe I was in and out within 30 minutes. Very impressed with the attentiveness of the receptionist, nurse and Dr. Villarreal. This office has been my first go to in a couple of years and never cease to impress me. Great job!👍
Friendly staff front, friendly service with nurse, excellent attention with the doctor.
Response from the owner 17:32 16 Jun 25
Thank you for your positive feedback. We aim to provide efficient and supportive service to all patients. Please reach out if you require any help.DOC-AID Urgent Care Team
Dr.Villarreal was very attentive and helpful as well as galilea. Ms.Araceli was a wonderful MA and really made the visit very quick, answered all my questions and i felt reassured the whole time. I would really recommend coming here if you wanna feel welcome and reassured.
When you give customers roundabout answers so that you can avoid confrontation, you treat them like fools and it feels bad, but who cares about the customer, right?
Edit: Within hours, I was called by management to resolve the issue that happened. I am very impressed with that level of customer service, and it made me feel valued and heard. To be explicit, my situation was not life or death nor was I in a place with no options. This was a situation where I just wanted to understand what was happening and why it was happening and got no real answer — it was the lack of value I felt as a customer in the moment. Thank you for rectifying that and making me feel like I can trust this place. Most places in Laredo wouldn’t even follow up with the customer. It means more than you know.
My family and I always visit Doc-Aid when we’re sick. Not only are they friendly, but they are extremely efficient, thorough, and a great office in general. They’ll always go out of their way to make you, or in my case my daughter, feel welcomed and safe. Will definitely keep going back to them.
I took my son in this morning and everyone was very friendly from the moment we were greeted in the front. They passed us in to a room super quick and the MA who took care of my son was Michelle M. she was so nice to him. He was having a meltdown and Michelle was able to calm him down and he even let her collect the sample! If we ever need to come back we'll be back here to see Michelle!
Loved that there was no wait time. Once we got assigned to an exam room Ximena took vitals and did great with my son. She was fast and made sure to take her time with my son to get the samples needed with swabs for testing. Provider Oscar Villarreal heard our concerns and examined my son. Provider was very easy to talk to. In all I am pleased with the fast service and provider and staff attention to my son and all my concerns.
I recently visited the urgent care on Monarch Drive because my son wasn’t feeling well. We typically don’t like visiting the doctors or urgent cares, but we had such a great experience despite my son being sick.
As soon as I walked in, we were greeted with professionalism and friendliness. They were extremely efficient and got us checked in quickly!
The staff was attentive and thorough and really made me feel like they cared especially Michelle M! She was so good with my son he even felt comfortable talking to her directly about his concerns and how he was feeling. She has exceptionally customer service and will be one of the main reasons we go back when the need arises.
DOC-AID offers exceptional service, consistently delivering quick and efficient care. During all my visits, Michelle Munoz, the medical assistant, stood out as an exceptional individual. Her warm and friendly demeanor, coupled with her wealth of knowledge and attentive care for my children, made my experience truly remarkable. Within minutes, they efficiently accommodated my children and me in a room. I wholeheartedly recommend DOC-AID for any medical needs you may have. Ms. Munoz’s genuine interest in understanding your concerns and ensuring you receive the appropriate medical care is truly commendable. My children have a special fondness for her, and I will definitely request her again when we return.
Excellent service always quick and provider Michelle Munoz amazing first time I met her very nice very informative I love how she cared for my children and attended to their needs at time of visit. Lady's at front desk area welcomed us and of course gathered all necessary admission information and were quick to get my children and I a room. I highly recommend DOC-AID if you’re needing medical attention. Ms. Munoz will take the time to listen and make sure you get the correct medical attention needed. Thank you all for taking care of my family when needed. YOU ALL ARE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED 🫶🏻
I love coming to Doc Aid. From the Receptionist, Medical Assistants to the Nurse Practitioner! Everyone is very friendly and you're in an out fast! Thank you!
Excellent service including the front desk clerk and staff
Response from the owner 11:10 07 Oct 23
We're pleased to know that you're satisfied with our service and found our team helpful. We aim to provide a professional and friendly atmosphere for all patients. We look forward to meeting your future healthcare needs.Doc-Aid Urgent Care Team
Excellent customer service. Veronica, FNP-C, is excellent with patients. She asks questions and gives explanations at a level that patients can understand. Highly recommended. Mario, MA, is excellent as well. He makes you feel welcomed and is there to help. Front staff is very helpful, patient and friendly. Everyone is excellent. Thank you!!
Can’t count the number of times I’ve used this place. They’re always really fast and polite. Highly recommend. No hidden costs or fees later. Annette at the front desk is super sweet and Steve remembered me from a prior visit. Great service
Children were seen in a timely manner. Staff were polite.
The reason for the low rating was due to the lack of explaining, lab results were not given in the office. They asked us to leave and we received the results over a text.
Wish that we were educated on what to expect as we had never dealt with the diagnosis that the children received.
I called multiple times to get information, to get guidance, and the children were only prescribed over the counter medication.
I took my daughter as a walk in on Friday evening. We were in a room quickly. The nurse & nurse practitioner were efficient & I’m pleased with them both. Definitely recommend and will return when needed. Thank you to the entire staff there!!
Staff is super friendly and professional. We are always quite happy with Josef’s attention to our toddler and baby. He makes them feel comfortable. My daughters only cry for 1 minute during strep test and then they get out of the appointment super happy. Not afraid to come back to doctor since experience at DOC AID is always pleasant. Extra points… facility is super clean!
Went to doc aid today . Was seen by doc Erica and Cosme. Cosme did an amazing job taking care of my needs and was great at giving injections. Doc Erica was amazing she diagnosed my problem and gave me treatment. I’ve been to, Two different urgent cares here in Laredo for the same issue. Vital meds and Laredo urgent care, Each time I felt rushed out and not heard. They gave me medication that had no affect. Today at doc aid the communication was excellently and I would recommend doc aid to all my federal co-workers.
Went in for three of my kids and the staff was super friendly and fast. The receptionist, Patty, greeted us with a friendly attitude. Cosme was very interactive and showed such empathy towards my little ones, even finding ways to help them be more comfortable during the visit. The provider, Miss Erika, did an outstanding job with making my kids feel comfortable with checking them. Highly recommended location! Thank you all!
I Love Doc aid because they’re very welcoming and attentive. Provider Erika very patient and explained everything so well. MA Cosme so kind and very helpful. Front desk girls: Narcie & Pat nice and welcoming! I totally recommend Doc Aid Saunders! Fast check and results.
First time at this facility and really liked how staff was patient with my crying child. Very attentive staff. Nurse practitioner was knowledgeable and able to answer my questions in a very professional manner. Wait time was very reasonable given the fact that I had a scheduled appointment. Most other urgent care make you wait longer periods even with appointment.
My first experience at Doc Aid Monarch was convenient professional fast & friendly. I was having severe gas & stomach pains so I avoided the crowd & long wait at LMC. I’m so happy I did. The staff took great care of me, they are professional and I left with my prescription & work excuse note in less than 30 min. I feel much better and this experience made me realize if I ever have a medical problem I’ll be back for another great experience at Doc Aid!!! Thank you very much 😊
Took my son when he got sent home from school and the staff was very friendly and fast. They ran tests and ruled out infection and they helped get him back to school the next day. Very impressed with how they treated him and how fast the service was. Thank you Doc Aid.
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