Telemedicine Addiction Treatment Is an Effective Way to Offer Treatment for Hepatitis C

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 30, 2025 — Hepatitis C leads to over 15,000 deaths in the United States each year, despite the availability and efficacy of oral antiviral medications for the virus. In a brief report in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, Workit Labs, the research and development arm of Workit Health, analyzes their treatment of hepatitis C as part of telemedicine-based addiction care.

Recognizing the high prevalence of hepatitis C among individuals with opioid use disorder, Workit Health began incorporating hepatitis C treatment into its telemedicine-based addiction programs in 2021. The team saw a unique opportunity to leverage virtual care to reach and treat a population that is often underserved and difficult to engage through traditional healthcare channels.

For this report, Workit Labs conducted a chart review of members who were prescribed direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C by their addiction providers. Among 63 patients who were prescribed treatment, 33 completed treatment. The 17 patients who completed post-treatment viral load testing all achieved viral clearance. In layman’s terms, all of the patients who completed post-treatment laboratory tests were cured.

This study provides exciting evidence that telemedicine programs for addiction are a feasible platform for expanding hepatitis C treatment to patients in need.

"Our study is unique in that it assessed real-world outcomes," says Marlene Lira, Senior Director of Research and lead author. "It’s encouraging that these highly effective treatments can be delivered through low-barrier, telemedicine settings."

Insurance coverage proved to be a significant barrier to delivering hepatitis C treatment for patients with opioid use disorder. Of those patients who were prescribed hepatitis C treatment, nearly 20% were denied prior authorization by their insurance.

Workit Labs hopes this report will inspire other addiction care providers to integrate hepatitis C treatment into low-barrier care models and encourage policymakers to expand access. "At the policy level," Lira adds, "29 states have eliminated prior authorization requirements for hepatitis C treatment, but more progress is needed. Broader treatment coverage would significantly improve access and availability for patients."

Workit Health is proud to be an innovator in offering hepatitis C treatment to their patients with opioid use disorder, and to share this clear evidence that this mode of treatment delivery works.

About Workit Health

Founded in 2015 by two women in recovery, Workit Health has been addressing substance use disorders using a virtual-first model for eight years and has provided care for over 32,000 members. The Workit clinical program includes video visits with licensed clinicians, e-prescribing for substance use disorders and comorbid conditions, and psychosocial, therapeutic support. Workit’s innovative technology removes barriers and expands access to evidence-based, person-centered treatment for people struggling with drugs and alcohol, improving outcomes and reducing costs.

Source: PRNewswire-PRWeb