Access of hepatitis C patients to interferon-free treatment regimens in Austria: a single center experience

Introduction: Until the end of July 2015 reimbursement of interferon-free treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C was limited to patients with advanced liver fibrosis (F3 and F4) and to patients with severe extrahepatic manifestations. Since August 2015 treatment coverage was extended to include F2. In order to qualify for reimbursement liver disease has to be staged by Fibroscan®, biopsy or clinical findings. Furthermore, treatment can only be performed at selected specialized hospitals. The aim of this analysis was to assess the percentage of patients eligible for interferon-free regimens and the impact of…