Why Should Infectious Disease Physicians Care for the Hepatitis C-infected Patient?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has evolved into a true infectious disease that needs the increased involvement of infectious disease (ID) physicians. HCV is a serious public health concern requiring screening, education, reduction of disease transmission, and access to care. Patients coinfected with HCV/human immunodeficiency virus need their ID physicians to be more involved in HCV care and the unique challenges that exist in this patient population. HCV patients overall need more provider resources with expertise. The era of direct-acting antivirals for HCV is creating the need and opportunity for ID physicians to assume an active role in this disease.