Phone Visit
Narrative: SPRUCE MESSAGE VISIT Date: 2026-04-01 Encounter: Spruce text message with photo review (image of ear drop bottle shared by parent) CC: Ear pain after swimming, in the context of about one week of cough and runny nose. HPI: Luke, age unknown, has had a juicy cough and runny nose for approximately one week, which appeared to be gradually improving. On the morning of April 1st, while on spring break in Florida, he complained of significant ear pain after swimming the previous day. The parent had ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone (cipro/dex) ear drops on hand from a prior prescription. No fever was reported at the time of the message. Assessment: Dr. Hobbs assessed the ear pain as consistent with swimmer's ear given the recent swimming activity, and recommended use of the cipro/dex drops on hand. He also noted that the concurrent cold symptoms raised concern for a possible developing middle ear infection and advised monitoring for fever, pain, or worsening pain. Plan: Advised use of the cipro/dex drops already in the parent's possession for swimmer's ear. Instructed parent to monitor for fever, increased or worsening ear pain as signs of a possible secondary middle ear infection. Parent was reassured that the drops were appropriate to use. Medications: - Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone (cipro/dex) ear drops existing supply (quantity not specified) (new (use of previously prescribed supply)) Key clinical quotes: "the cipro/dex is great for swimmer's ear." "keep in mind the cold symptoms could be brewing an old school ear infection, so keep an eye on that pain and if there's any new fever." "fever, pain, worsening pain." Source: Spruce conversation t_2GDBR8BFPUO00