ACP and the American Academy of HIV Medicine collaborate on new guide to hepatitis C testing
The new guide includes a summary of the latest testing recommendations; diagnostic, billing, and laboratory codes for testing; resources for referrals to HCV-experienced clinicians; and information on patient interactions, education, conversations, and case examples.
ACP has partnered with the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) to develop a new “Guide to Hepatitis C Testing,” in advance of Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19.
Approximately 2.7 to 3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C (HCV), many of whom are undiagnosed. Last week, the CDC released new preliminary data showing that the number of new HCV infections has nearly tripled over the past five years, reaching a 15-year high. Adults ranging in age between 20 and 29 years saw the greatest increase and highest overall number of cases, with the primary route of transmission being injection-drug use.
The new guide aims to help primary care clinicians screen patients for HCV. It includes a summary of the latest testing recommendations; diagnostic, billing, and laboratory codes for testing; resources for referrals to HCV-experienced clinicians; and information on patient interactions, education, conversations, and case examples.
A downloadable PDF of the guide is available online. Also, visit ACP Online to access ACP's patient information on hepatitis C.