Plan Impact Is Unclear in New Call for Hepatitis C Screening

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has expanded its screening recommendation for hepatitis C virus (HCV), calling for all asymptomatic adults ages 18 through 79, including pregnant women, to be tested for the virus. That means all health plans must cover the expanded screening for free.

The B-level recommendation from USPSTF, released March 2, indicates there is high certainty that the net benefit of expanded HCV testing will be moderate, or there is moderate certainty that the net benefit will be moderate to substantial. The USPSTF also states that clinicians might consider testing adolescents with past or current injection drug use, although it stopped short of recommending testing. Over the past three years, the HCV drug regimens commonly used in adults have been approved for use in adolescents 12 years old and older.

© 2023 MMIT
Freelance Reporter

Freelance Reporter Freelance Reporter

Related Posts

doctor-speaking-to-a-patient
May 25

Commercial Insurance Restrictions Complicate Biosimilar Adoption

READ MORE
shell-game
May 25

‘Shell Game’ or Rebate Maximizers? FTC Probe Reignites Debate Over GPOs

Read More
pills-in-hand
May 25

As Weight Loss Drugs’ Star Rises, Plan Sponsors, Researchers Worry About Costs

READ MORE

GAIN THERAPEUTIC AREA-SPECIFIC INTEL TO DRIVE ACCESS FOR YOUR BRAND

Sign up for publications to get unmatched business intelligence delivered to your inbox.

subscribe today