As Oklahoma continues to experience high rates of Hepatitis C, healthcare providers play a critical role in identifying infections early and connecting patients to treatment.
The challenge is that many individuals living with Hepatitis C have no symptoms. Patients may feel healthy for years while the virus continues to damage the liver.
For that reason, routine screening remains one of the most effective tools for reducing Hepatitis C-related transmission, illness and death.
Current recommendations support one-time Hepatitis C screening for all adults, with additional testing for individuals who may have ongoing risk factors.
Providers should consider screening patients who:
- Have a history of injection drug use
- Received blood transfusions before 1992
- Have HIV or other risk factors
- Have elevated liver enzymes
- Have experienced potential blood exposure
- Request testing due to personal concerns or risk factors
Equally important is establishing a plan for what happens after a positive test result.
A positive screening result should be followed by confirmatory testing and a clear pathway to treatment. Without follow-up care, patients may remain untreated and continue to face risks for cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and other serious complications.
Organizations that do not provide Hepatitis C treatment onsite can improve patient outcomes by developing referral relationships with community partners that specialize in Hepatitis C care, like HOPE in Tulsa. HOPE now offers same day test to treatment, meaning that if patients test positive (and the test is confirmed,) then they can get treatment and medication that same day.
At HOPE, patients can access testing, treatment, and care coordination through one organization. The program is designed to help patients move efficiently from diagnosis to treatment while receiving support with medication access, insurance questions, and follow-up care.
In 2025, HOPE conducted 812 Hepatitis C tests, helping more Oklahomans learn their status and access treatment services. The organization saw a 168% increase in Hepatitis C testing compared to 2024, highlighting both community need and growing awareness of available services.
By combining routine screening with strong referral pathways, Oklahoma providers can play a meaningful role in reducing the burden of Hepatitis C and improving long-term health outcomes across the state through referrals to programs like HOPE.