the only reason to use amoxicillin for acute pharyngitis is if strep was clinical diagnosed (by finding certain clinical characteristics on exam that is consistent with strep) or they do not have access to a rapid strep test (not likely). many medical professionals choose to use clinical judgment over laboratory confirmation when it comes to strep. half of them are wrong so without a lab test this is just a coin toss.
why did the er ra prescribe amoxicillin for acute pharyngitis with only a physical exam?