CDC Viral Hepatitis Updates - How a Simple Test Can Save 120,000 Lives

CDC Viral Hepatitis Updates - How a Simple Test Can Save 120,000 Lives

CDC Viral Hepatitis Updates - How a Simple Test Can Save 120,000 Lives

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent this bulletin at 03/17/2014 11:34 AM EDT

Viral Hepatitis Updates from CDC

How a Simple Test Can Save 120,000 LivesHepatitis C, the "silent epidemic" afflicting baby boomers, is twice as prevalent among African-Americans, but preventive measures may save $2.5 billion in health care costs.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/next-america/health/how-a-simple-test-can-save-120-000-lives-20140227

Hepatitis C Online - Medications to Treat HCVA new section covering medications to treat hepatitis C is now available through Hepatitis C Online, a self-study, interactive course for medical providers on Hepatitis C. Developed by the University of Washington in collaboration with the International Antiviral Society-USA. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Free CME and CNE credits available. http://hepatitisc.uw.edu/page/treatment/drugs

CMS released their proposed decision memo for the National Coverage Analysis on Medicare coverage for Hepatitis C virus screening in adultsThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their Proposed Decision Memo for Screening for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Adults. The evidence is adequate to conclude that screening for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), consistent with the grade B recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is reasonable and necessary for the prevention or early detection of an illness or disability and is appropriate for individuals entitled to benefits under Part A or enrolled under Part B for beneficiaries who meet either of the following conditions. 

1. A screening test is covered for adults at high risk for Hepatitis C Virus infection. “High risk” is defined as persons with a current or past history of illicit injection drug use; and persons who have a history of receiving a blood transfusion prior to 1992. Repeat screening for high risk persons is covered annually only for persons who have had continued illicit injection drug use since the prior negative screening test. 
2. A single screening test is covered for adults who do not meet the high risk as defined above, but who were born from 1945 through 1965.

CMS is accepting public comments on the proposed decision memo until April 3, 2014. Instructions on submitting public comments: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/InfoExchange/publiccomments.html

Public comments can also be submitted directly from the page containing the proposed decision memousing the “Comment” buttons found at the top and bottom of the page: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-proposed-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=272. The expected NCA completion date is June 2, 2014.