The time and cost investment required to obtain and initiate direct-acting antiviral therapy Journal Article


Authors: Loy, V.; Benyashvili, T; Adams, W; Pavkov, D.; O'Mahoney, M.; Cotler, S. J.
Article Title: The time and cost investment required to obtain and initiate direct-acting antiviral therapy
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obtaining direct acting antiviral (DAA) medications for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is labor-intensive for providers. The purpose of this study was to assess the amount of unbillable time and to estimate the financial burden of obtaining DAAs for HCV. METHODS: Patients prescribed DAA therapy from 9/30/2014- 3/19/2015 at an academic hepatology practice were enrolled prospectively. Providers recorded the amount of time required to obtain HCV therapy for each patient. RESULTS: 79 patients were consented, 27 of whom were excluded due to incomplete data or deferment of therapy. In our patient population 56% of patients had private insurance, 27% Medicare and 15% Medicaid. The median time spent per patient was 92.5 minutes (80.00 - 108.80 IQR). The median cost spent per patient was $78.85 (66.75- 94.30 IQR). CONCLUSIONS: Development of a streamlined process to reduce the time and cost for physicians to obtain DAAs is needed. Removing this barrier will encourage physicians to adopt HCV treatment to address the large number of patients in need.
Journal Title: Antiviral Therapy
ISSN: 2040-2058; 1359-6535
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2016
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:
Notes: LR: 20160714; JID: 9815705; 2016/04/26 [accepted]; aheadofprint