Improving patient access to hepatitis C virus treatment

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Hepatology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires timely and effective treatment.
• Access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications for HCV is frequently hindered by third-party payer restrictions and prior authorization requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss current barriers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment access.
• To provide resources for healthcare providers to navigate the prior authorization process.
• To explore strategies for medication access when third-party payers pose limitations.
• To highlight the pharmacist's role in patient advocacy and post-approval treatment management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current guidelines and best practices.
• Analysis of common third-party payer restrictions and prior authorization challenges.
• Identification of resources for medication assistance programs.
• Discussion of the pharmacist's expanded role in HCV treatment management.

Main Results:

• Third-party payers often impose significant restrictions on HCV medication access.
• Pharmacists can effectively advocate for patients by providing clinical evidence and navigating payer requirements.
• Proactive management by pharmacists is essential for medication procurement, refills, and monitoring to prevent treatment interruptions.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacist intervention is critical to overcome medication access barriers for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment.
• Pharmacists facilitate patient care team collaboration to ensure uninterrupted, effective HCV therapy.
• Seeking pharmacist assistance is recommended to optimize medication access and management for HCV patients.