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Treating chronic hepatitis C in the primary care setting
Thomas G McGinn1, Donald Gardenier, Lata K McGinn
1Division of General Internal Medicine, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. thomas.mcginn@mountsinai.org
Seminars in Liver Disease
|February 26, 2005
Summary
Primary care providers can effectively manage uncomplicated chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infections. This model expands treatment access and improves patient outcomes by integrating HCV care into general medicine settings.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- The National Institutes of Health highlight the need for broader access to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treatment.
- A diverse patient population requires expanded treatment options for HCV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a program for identifying, treating, and referring patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- To assess the feasibility and advantages of primary care-based HCV treatment.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative program was developed by General Internal Medicine and Liver Diseases divisions.
- Uncomplicated HCV cases were treated within the primary care setting.
- Patients underwent a structured pretreatment evaluation and management of comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Preliminary data indicate unique advantages of primary care-based HCV treatment.
- The primary care setting facilitates comprehensive care and management of patient needs.
- The program supports patient navigation through complex treatment processes.
Conclusions:
- Primary care-based treatment models can increase hepatitis C (HCV) literacy among providers.
- This approach extends HCV treatment to a wider patient population.
- Integrating HCV care into primary settings offers a viable model for expanding access to care.