Effects of the Kentucky Hepatitis Academic Mentorship Program on Hepatitis C Treatment in a Federally Qualified Health Center

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent in Kentucky, and treatment in primary care clinics is being implemented through collaborations such as the Kentucky Hepatitis Academic Mentorship Program (KHAMP) to meet Medicaid requirements. Methods. We completed a retrospective review of 375 HCV patients seen from 2018–2019, comparing outcomes pre- and post- KHAMP implementation. Results. Post-KHAMP implementation in 2019, 191 patients were diagnosed with HCV. Compared with pre-KHAMP, these patients were less likely to be referred to a specialist (difference in percentage points: –16.1%, 95% CI (6.7–25.1), p=.0008), with no change in loss to follow-up (difference in percentage points: 4.8%, 95% CI (–4.6–14.1), p=.32). Of 127 eligible patients, 52 (41%) were treated via KHAMP during the study period.