The time and cost investment required to obtain and initiate direct-acting antiviral therapy. Antivir Ther 2016;21(8):731-733
Date
10/21/2016Pubmed ID
27414001DOI
10.3851/IMP3068Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85011271313 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 5 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Obtaining direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications for treatment of HCV is labour-intensive for providers. The purpose of this study was to assess the amount of unbillable time and to estimate the financial burden of obtaining DAAs for HCV.
METHODS: Patients prescribed DAA therapy from 30 September 2014 to 19 March 2015 at an academic hepatology practice were enrolled prospectively. Providers recorded the amount of time required to obtain HCV therapy for each patient.
RESULTS: A total of 79 patients consented, 27 of whom were excluded due to incomplete data or deferment of therapy. In our patient population 56% of patients had private insurance, 27% Medicare and 15% Medicaid. The median time spent per patient was 92.5 min (IQR 80.00-108.80). The median cost spent per patient was $78.85 (IQR 66.75-94.30).
CONCLUSIONS: Development of a streamlined process to reduce the time and cost for physicians to obtain DAAs is needed. Removing this barrier will encourage physicians to adopt HCV treatment to address the large number of patients in need.
Author List
Loy V, Benyashvili T, Adams W, Pavkov D, O'Mahoney M, Cotler SJAuthor
Veronica Loy DO Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Antiviral Agents
Female
Health Care Costs
Health Services Accessibility
Hepatitis C, Chronic
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Time Factors
