A new national guide, the Ann Arbor Guide to Triaging Adults with Suspected UTIs, was released on January 29, 2026, in JAMA Network Open to improve UTI diagnosis and treatment via telehealth.
Developed by experts from VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and University of Michigan, led by Dr. Jennifer Meddings.
Includes two algorithms:
one for non-pregnant women and one for men, guiding when to test, prescribe empiric antibiotics, or triage for further evaluation.
Emphasizes urine cultures, especially for frequent UTIs, to reduce antibiotic overuse and combat resistance.
Addresses complex cases like organ transplants or kidney disease, and warns against unreliable at-home tests.
Being piloted in Veterans Affairs hospitals during telehealth visits.