If you’re diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV): “Never give up trying to get treatment,” says Rachel Melson, DNP, FNP-C. The nurse practitioner is the director of the outreach clinic at Swope Health in Kansas City, Missouri. “Every single person who tests positive should have access to care. Keep pushing whoever diagnosed you to help you get access to care. Call your state department of health if you have to. Regardless of what state you’re in, there are providers there who treat hep C—including those like me who can do telemedicine.”

If you’re a provider unfamiliar with giving hep C treatment: “There are plenty of simplified guidelines online, such as at HCVguidelines.org,” says Melson. “And there are plenty of webinars and education offerings. So don’t refer out. Treating someone for hep C these days is easier than treating diabetes.”

These resources can help you learn more:

To read “Closing the Hepatitis C Treatment Gap,” click here.