actually for self-treatment in the field we don't really encourage travelers to touch base with a provider before starting treatment. many travelers will be in areas where providers may not be up to the standard of care that travelers are used to or may be in places where the medications they can obtain are not safe -- there is a big market in counterfeit medications in some developing nations. so we urge people to get the medications they may need -- and some education on when and how to use them -- from their provider before traveling. then they can self-treat as long as they have only a mild to moderate case of travelers' diarrhea.
should i see a doctor before starting antibiotics for travelers' diarrhea?