The Virginia HEPC Telemedicine program provides low barrier telehealth services to individuals around Virginia who are seeking a cure for their hepatitis C. We offer patient navigation throughout the process with dedicated nursing staff. An infectious disease specialist provides the clinical care. Patients with hepatitis B or cirrhosis will receive referrals and assistance with navigation to appropriate hepatology care.

Clinicians or care teams can refer to the Virginia HEPC Telemedicine program after receiving a positive HCV RNA PCR on a patient to improve access to specialty services offered locally through their clinics or organizations. VA HEPC is available to partner with your organization by setting up standing orders onsite for labs required for treatment if this service is offered, or by sending patients to a local lab convenient to them if not, by drafting a Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding (MOA or MOU) upon request, and by providing progress reports on patients throughout the process to facilitate collaboration.

Individuals can request treatment without a referral. Once the request is received, if lab work is not provided or available, VA HEPC’s team will connect with the individual to coordinate obtaining lab work in their local area. An appointment will be scheduled after the individual obtains lab work. It is important to provide correct contact information so the VA HEPC team is able to make the connection for care.

Prepare for the Appointment

For the appointment the patient will need a smart device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, computer), a stable internet connection, a private quiet place for about 20-minutes with the infectious disease specialist via telehealth. VA HEPC staff works with a pharmacy to get the medication and monitors the patient throughout treatment.

VA HEPC will connect individuals without a smartphone with a local organization so they can attend the appointment.

After Treatment

The patient returns 12 weeks after completion of treatment to their local lab to get the final labwork needed to verify the cure.