Hepatitis C Screening and Management Practices: A Survey of Drug Treatment and Syringe Exchange Programs in New York City.

HEPATITIS C virus; HEALTH surveys; MEDICAL screening; PATIENT education; NEW York (N.Y.). Dept. of Health

This article highlights findings of a survey conducted by the New York City Department of Health to determine whether their hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and counseling practices were carried out through examining its local drug treatment and syringe exchange programs. Questionnaires were sent to directors of 141 agencies with drug treatment programs listed in the directory of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and syringe exchange programs. Results of the survey suggest that programs in New York City are engaged in varied ways in the diagnosis and management of HCV, such as providing HCV education and risk reduction counseling and treatment referrals.