Hospital and Outpatient Pathways for Elimination of Hepatitis C (HOPE-HepC)
The WashU Infectious Diseases Division offers low-barrier, patient-centered management of Hepatitis C (HCV), from initial work-up through cure for patients seen in the hospital and in clinic through the HOPE-HepC program. If patients have substance use disorders, we also offer integrated and nonjudgmental co-management of HCV and substance use disorder with infectious diseases physicians who have additional addiction medicine expertise. The HOPE-HepC program is a multidisciplinary team including infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, nurse navigators and a case manager.
The HOPE-HepC Program provides:
- Hospital-based HCV evaluation and treatment during inpatient stays,
- Low-barrier, stigma-free clinic-based HCV treatment, and
- Longitudinal care management and follow-up to support treatment completion and long-term health.
We also maintain ongoing, collaborative partnerships with community-based organizations to improve access to care and support comprehensive, wraparound services for individuals affected by HCV, including those who use drugs, are unhoused, or are involved in the justice system.
| We treat: | Collaborating partners include: |
| – Uncomplicated HCV – HCV in people who use drugs – HCV in people with unstable housing – HCV in individuals with mental illness – HCV in pregnancy – HCV in postpartum individuals including breastfeeding mothers – HCV/HIV co-infections – HCV/HBV co-infections – HCV with compensated cirrhosis – HCV in people with insurance issues – HCV in individuals who are justice-involved | – Barnes-Jewish Hospital – WashU Maternal Fetal Medicine – CARE Clinic – Bridge to Health Program – BJC Medical Group – St. Louis County Jail – MoNetwork – Harris House – Street Med STL – MO DHHS |
What is Hepatitis C Virus?
HCV is a viral infection that is spread through contact with infected blood. This primarily occurs now through sharing drug use equipment, non-professional tattoos, birth and rarely sex. People born between 1945 and 1965 are also at higher risk. HCV is a chronic infection that mainly affects the liver causing liver scarring and even liver failure over time but can also cause problems in other parts of the body, including during pregnancy.
How do we treat Hepatitis C?
We now have a CURE for Hepatitis C with 8-12 weeks of pills that are well tolerated, safe and highly effective. Over 95% of people achieve cure after taking medication, which is determined by checking for virus in the blood 4 weeks after finishing treatment. Treating HCV can prevent progression of liver disease, improve survival and quality of life, and prevent transmission to others.
Can I access treatment?
At the WashU ID HOPE-HepC program, we want to help you get access to this life-saving medication. If you already have recent lab work, great! If not, we have a point-of-care machine that can diagnose HCV from a fingerstick in 40-60 minutes, nurse navigators who will assist in getting you an appointment on the same day or within a week, and a pharmacy in the same building. Our clinical pharmacists work with a variety of insurance providers to get you medication at an affordable cost. Many people leave with a prescription or HCV medications in-hand the same day as their appointment. We work to minimize delays in care, reduce stigma, and ensure treatment is not withheld due to active substance use. Our program believes that everyone deserves access to HCV treatment, regardless of housing status, drug use, or pregnancy.
Who we are:
| Providers: | Care Managers: | Pharmacists |
| Laura Marks, MD. PhD Madeline McCrary, MD Megan Curtis, MD Hilary Reno, MD Donald Hong, MD Michael Durkin, MD, MPH Stephen Liang, MD, MPHS | Jessica Elrod-Gallegos, MSW LCSW – case manager, Bridge to Health Program Patricia Werner, MSN – nurse care manager Jennifer Mullersman, MSN – nurse care manager | WashU ID Clinic Pharmacy |
Recent Clinic News
Study led by Megan Curtis, MD shows Hepatitis C treatment not reaching some at-risk populations
Madeline McCrary, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, invited to participate in the 2025 National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leader Forum
Hepatitis C ElimiNATION Awareness Tour
Infectious Diseases Division to Open ID/Substance Use Disorder Training Pathway
Hours
8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Appointments
- Clinic appointments: 314-362-9098 or 1-800-858-3541
- Clinic nurses: 314-362-9098
- Clinic after hours: 314-362-1242 (ask for the Infectious Disease fellow on call)
Location
620 South Taylor Ave., Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63110