Treating Hepatitis C Within Real-world Telemedicine Addiction Care.

Abstract

Individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) represent a key population for hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment. Integrating hepatitis C treatment within telemedicine addiction care offers a new opportunity to reach this population. We conducted a chart review of individuals prescribed hepatitis C treatment within a telemedicine treatment program for OUD. Patient medical records were reviewed to extract details on demographics, hepatitis C history, medication prior authorization, initiation and completion, and viral clearance testing. Sixty-three treatment-naïve patients were prescribed antiviral therapy for hepatitis C by their addiction treatment medical providers with a median age of 36, 41% of patients identifying as female, and 57% insured by Medicaid. Approximately 1 in 5 patients were denied prior authorization for antiviral therapy. Among 63 patients initially prescribed medication, 33 (52%) completed treatment. Telehealth programs for addiction are a feasible platform for expanding hepatitis C treatment to patients with OUD. Policies to reduce restrictions on antiviral coverage by payers could increase medication access through telehealth.