Who can prescribe hepatitis C therapy
Direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for prescription by any medical practitioner or authorised nurse practitioner experienced in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, or in consultation with a gastroenterologist, liver specialist or infectious diseases physician experienced in treating chronic HCV infection. If consultation with a specialist is required, a remote consultation form or online form can be used; for example:
- Hepatitis C remote consultation form (Gastroenterological Society of Australia [GESA])
- REACH-C online consultation form (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine [ASHM])
- a localised form from a Primary Health Network or HealthPathways.
Once prescribers are experienced in managing hepatitis C infection, they may prescribe independently. For more information about PBS requirements for hepatitis C treatment, see the PBS website.