EE131 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Emergency Department-Based HCV Screening and Linkage-to-Care Program

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common infection that causes costly liver and extrahepatic complications. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer >95% cure rates. Patients at high-risk for HCV infection who presented to the emergency department (ED) at UI Health received HCV screening and linkage to DAA treatment. However, HCV screening in the ED is currently not covered by insurance providers. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term cost-effectiveness of routine HCV screening and linkage to care for high-risk patients in the emergency department from the payer’s perspective.