A Telementoring Program and Hepatitis C Virus Care in Rural Patients

Background: Rural patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be less likely to access HCV care than those in urban areas. A telementoring, task-shifting model has been implemented address the unmet needs of care. Evidence is needed on whether this intervention improves rural patients. Methods: We compared three key indicators among Medicare 2014–2016 by urban–rural status between New Mexico a telementoring program and Pennsylvania without such program. classified each patient's based his or her ZIP code residence. used multivariable log-binomial regressions examine relative probability receiving two states. Results: In Mexico, 41.3% resided areas (N = 1155). Pennsylvania, accounted for 13.2% 1775). The unadjusted overall rates RNA genotype testing within 12 months before treatment were 76.1% “rural-New Mexico” versus 73.3% “rural-Pennsylvania,” 66.2% “urban-New Mexico,” 70.2% “urban-Pennsylvania.” Post-treatment rate was also high (83.0%). After adjusting demographic clinical characteristics, who received still had highest taking treatment, other groups (relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 0.91 [0.84–1.00] 0.85 [0.78–0.93] 0.93 [0.87–1.00] “urban-Pennsylvania”). Conclusions: help improve