Author information
1
Patient Care Services/Population Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue (132), Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
2
HIV, Hepatitis and Related Conditions, Office of Specialty Care Services (10P11I), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20420, USA.
3
Research Health Care Group, VA Long Beach Health Care System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA.
4
New England Veterans Engineering Resource Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, 150 South Huntingtin Avenue, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
5
Division of Gastroenterology, VA Long Beach Health Care System, 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA.
6
Patient Care Services/Population Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue (132), Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. Electronic address: Lisa.Backus@va.gov.
Abstract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made significant progress in treating hepatitis C virus, experiencing more than a 75% reduction in veterans remaining to be treated since the availability of oral direct-acting antivirals. Hepatitis C Innovation Teams use lean process improvement and system redesign, resulting in practice models that address gaps in care. The key to success is creative improvements in veteran access to providers, including expanded use of nonphysician providers, video telehealth, and electronic technologies. Population health management tools monitor and identify trends in care, helping the VA tailor care and address barriers.