1250. Screening for Hepatitis C as Part of an Opioid Stewardship Initiative: Identifying Infected Patients and Analyzing Linkage to Care

Abstract Background Hepatitis C (HCV) remains a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality even though direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) are increasingly accessible have cure rates approaching 100%. The demographics HCV shifted to younger patients, primarily due the opioid epidemic associated increased numbers people who inject (PWID). A robust screening program targeting patients with use disorder (OUD) can identify present opportunities for linkage care, cure, disease prevention by breaking chain transmission in high-risk groups. Methods As part an organizational stewardship long-term goal (2018-2020), Novant Health screened OUD HCV. best practice alert (BPA) electronic health record (EHR) prompted providers order antibody. Management positive tests was left discretion ordering provider. disposition antibody evaluated retrospective chart review categorized as: (a) known spontaneous virus clearance (b) linked care specialist (c) previous treatment (d) not appropriately (e) patient-directed discharge or nonadherence. Results Of 5560 encountered (average age 40.9, 49% female, 73.7% White, 21.8% AA/Black), 4405 were tested. those screened, 33.9% positive. Among antibody, 24% had viral 73.9% needed follow up bloodwork, 301 804 successfully linked. eligible 27.2% care. Conclusion There is need ongoing efforts OUD. Despite BPA intervention, large percentage Barriers include lack provider education on referral concurrent rollout, as well psychiatric comorbidities social vulnerabilities more prevalent Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.