Same-Day Test-to-Treatment for Hepatitis C (HCV)
Test, Results to Treatment Plan in one Visit
HOPE now offers same-day test-to-treatment for hepatitis C. This means you can take a test that will allow HOPE’s medical providers to prescribe treatment medication at the same appointment.
Your health, your choice, your HOPE.
What is same-day test-to-treatment?
Traditional testing for hepatitis C requires multiple visits (testing visit, wait for lab work results, return for a provider appointment, and a follow-up to confirm you are cured). But with new technology made possible through Cepheid’s GeneXpert HCV Xpress testing system, HOPE is able to condense your visits to two: one initial visit for treatment and one follow-up visit to confirm you’re cured.
Learn more about the GeneXpert Xpress System here.
How does it work?
- You’ll receive a rapid test, which involves a single finger prick that is immediately tested while you wait at our clinic (20-minutes).
- If the rapid test is positive, you’ll then receive an RNA test, which tells us if the infection is active and therefore needs to be treated (40-60 minutes).
- If the infection is active, you’ll meet with our physician for treatment.
- Treatment is typically provided via oral direct-acting antivirals that cure 95% of patients in 8-12 weeks. To learn more about treating hepatitis C, visit the CDC’s website here.
Who should consider same-day test-to-treatment?
Anyone who suspects they have hepatitis C due to risk factors like:
- Previous or ongoing injection or intranasal drug use or use of glass crack pipe
- “At-home” tatoos or piercings
- Sharing personal items like razors with someone who has hepatitis C
- Multiple sexual partners
- Men who have sex with men who have HIV
- Long-term sex partners of individuals with Hepatitis C
- Sex with a person who injects drugs
- Persons on long-term hemodialysis (ever)
- Persons living with HIV
- Person born to hepatitis C-infected mother
- Persons who were ever incarcerated
- Persons who have suffered accidental needle stick, sharps, or mucosal exposure to HCV-infected blood
- Recipients of a prior transfusion or organ transplant, including persons who:
- Were notified that they received blood from a donor who later tested positive for HCV
- Received a transfusion of blood or blood components, or underwent an organ transplant before 1992
- Received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, you will need to have health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you can visit with one of our case managers who can help you explore and enroll in health insurance.
Is treatment easy?
Hepatitis C is usually curable. Early detection through testing is important. Modern treatment is safe and extremely effective, and typically easy for most people.
To confirm that you were cured of hepatitis C, you will return for lab work after you’ve taken your medication.
The Need for Hep C Same-Day Test-to-Treat in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has one of the highest hepatitis C prevalence rates in the country, and many of those infected don’t know their infection status or health risks associated with it. By investing in the same-day rapid testing technology available through the Cepheid GeneXpert Xpress testing system, we can test, diagnose and treat patients in one judgment-free visit to increase cure rates and reduce patients lost due to treatment lag time.
Bringing same-day test-to-treat technology to Tulsa for HCV is HOPE’s ongoing committment to protect the health and wellness of our entire community through judgment-free, barrier-free sexual health and injury prevention services for all.
Oklahoma is first in the nation for newly reported chronic hepatitis C cases (14.5 per 100,000). Oklahoma is 30th out of 50 for cure rate, which means that only 24% of those in treatment complete treatment.
Book an appointment today
Modern hepatitis C treatment is safe, easy, and effective.
If you think you might be a candidate for same-day test-to-treatment, call HOPE to schedule your appointment: 918-749-8378.
Leading the HOPE care team
Dr. Valerie Howard
Valerie Howard, DO, FACOI is HOPE’s Medical Director. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine since 2014, a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists and earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2011.
At HOPE, Dr. Howard leads our Hepatitis C program, ensuring that care is accessible, confidential, and supportive for everyone. Her approach is rooted in compassion and evidence-based medicine.
“I’m dedicated to helping each person protect their health in the way that works best for them – whether that’s Hepatitis C treatment or support along the way.”
FAQs
Will I have symptoms if I have hepatitis C?
Not everyone will have symptoms when they have hepatitis C. The CDC recommends everyone get at least one test for hepatitis C during their lifetime. For general screening, HOPE uses free and low-cost rapid tests. Those who screen positive on a rapid test will be offered the RNA test to determine if the infection is active and requires treatment.
Can I get hepatitis C after being cured?
How do I know if treatment worked?
You will come back for follow-up labwork after you’ve completed your medication treatment to confirm that you are cured.
What are the potential risks of not treating hepatitis C?
Chronic hepatitis C can cause permanent liver damage, also known as cirrhosis, and increases your risk of developing liver cancer. It’s important to receive testing and talk with a medical provider if you test positive.
Can the body cure hepatitis C by itself?
In most cases, the body does not clear hepatitis C by itself. If you’ve had an exposure or have risk factors, it’s best to receive testing and talk with a medical provider if you test positive.
Does insurance cover treatment?
Most insurance plans cover treatment. Our team will help you navigate your insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance, our case managers can help you to explore options and enroll you in insurance if eligble. There are also patient assistance programs that our case managers can help you explore.
Getting Started at HOPE
1.
Call the HOPE hotline at (918) 416-0577 or request an appointment online.
2.
Meet with Dr. Howard or HOPE’s prevention team.
3.
Same-day labs and prescriptions are often available. Our team will work with you to provide timely treatment and support.
4.
Receive ongoing follow-up and care to stay healthy.
Cost should never be a barrier. HOPE connects patients with savings programs and assistance.