In a Critical State: Ongoing Barriers to Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Recent advances in Hepatitis C Virus HCV treatment could be described as revolutionary: for uncomplicated patients, treatment is nearly 100% effective, oral-only, has a low pill burden, minimal side effects, and results in a cure.1 Comparisons we have heard from clinicians are that HCV is now easier to treat than either diabetes or hypertension. Unfortunately for many patients, their state of residence is the decisive factor for whether they will receive lifesaving treatment. As part of a tribal telehealth network for HCV, we support several rural clinics successfully treating HCV and see this dilemma all too frequently.