NSW Health released the Viral Hepatitis Update for primary health care practitioners, the key points are as follows:
- Testing for hepatitis B or C in patients with a risk factor is covered under Medicare – there are no limits on the number of patients that can be tested.
- All patients with chronic hepatitis B infection should be regularly monitored
- All patients with chronic hepatitis C infection should be offered treatment
- Appropriate management of viral hepatitis prevents hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure