Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment Pre and Post-Implementation of the USPSTF Universal Screening Guideline in Corewell Health Family Medicine Residency Clinics
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Description
In March of 2020, the USPSTF updated guidelines to recommend a one-time screening for Hepatitis C for all patients regardless of risk. With this in mind, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a goal of 90% of eligible patients being screened for Hepatitis C by 2030. It is not known how close to this goal Corewell Health is, nor how this implementation of universal screening has impacted identification and treatment of hepatitis C, including the proportion of patients treated by PCP vs a medical specialist.
A retrospective chart review of patients with at least one visit to the Corewell Health West Family Medicine Residency clinics between November 1, 2017 to December 31, 2025. Of this total population, the proportion of those who received a hepatitis C screening was measured to compare to The Who's 90% goal. Additionally, the number of patients who received treatment was measured and whether it was received by PCP or by a specialist. Furthermore, rates are compared between years to identify how and when the changes in practice recommendations have impacted identification and treatment of hepatitis C.
Data are still being gathered, however preliminary data shows that of the population of Family Medicine Residency clinic patients (Greenville and Grand Rapids locations), 103 patients had positive Hepatitis C antibodies between 2017 and 2023, of those 103 positive antibody tests, 38 were RNA positive, with 27 receiving treatment (20 by a Specialist vs. 7 by their PCP). After March of 2020, 11 patients were found to have positive antibody screenings, with 7 receiving treatment (4 by Specialists and 3 by PCP). Therefore, this limited data showed a large treatment gap (7 of 11 identified cases receiving treatment).
The implementation of universal screening for Hepatitis C has not only resulted in higher screening rates and identification of more cases of Hepatitis C, but also has empowered treatment in the Primary Care Setting and therefore removed barriers to treatment and resulted in higher levels of treatment and cure.
Publication Date
5-8-2026
Disciplines
Emergency Medicine
Recommended Citation
Klunder N, Holman H, Andersen N. Hepatitis C screening and treatment pre and post-implementation of the USPSTF universal screening guideline in Corewell health family medicine residency clinics. Presented at: Research Day Corewell Health West; 2026 May 8; Grand Rapids, MI.
Comments
2026 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2026. Abstract 1905