Hospital partners with local providers to address Kentucky’s high rates of infection LOUISA, Kentucky (November 22, 2016)
Three Rivers Medical Center (Three Rivers) announced today a partnership with the University of Louisville, KentuckyOne Health and Pharmacy Plus Specialty to offer patients free Hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and linkage to care.
The program was developed in response to Kentucky’s rising Hepatitis C rate, which is nearly seven times the national average. Fueled by the growth in opioid addiction, Hepatitis C is a virus that can lead to liver failure, cancer and sometimes death if untreated. Hepatitis C is curable when treated with medication, which can be administered over the course of an eight to 12-week period.
“The epidemic of drug use and resulting growth of Hepatitis C cases has affected my home of eastern Kentucky as hard as any area in the country,” said Thomas H. Frazier, M.D. of Three Rivers Gastroenterology. “Many who have Hepatitis C are unaware of their diagnosis, making screening a vital tool in the fight against this deadly disease. The team at Three Rivers is honored to be one of only three hospitals in the state to offer this important service.”
Under the program, Three Rivers will provide a free Hepatitis C screening to emergency room patients. Individuals with reactive screening tests will be referred to Dr. Thomas Frazier and Lynn Hill, APRN, for further testing and treatment consideration. Patients who need additional services will be referred to providers with the University of Louisville and KentuckyOne, which offers access to a complete range of specialty services including Hepatitis C treatment, liver transplant evaluation, liver cancer care and expert care for cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease.
“Three Rivers is committed to doing its part to address one of the largest public health challenges our state – and our region – has faced,” said CEO Gregory A. Kiser, MHA. “We are pleased to offer this important service and through our continued relationship with Kentucky One Health, further solidify our position as a leader in the area for the treatment of Hepatitis C and other forms of liver disease.”
About Three Rivers Medical Center
Three Rivers Medical Center is your community healthcare provider; a 90-bed acute care facility accredited by The Joint Commission. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We provide essential hospital services and are proud to house an accredited Chest Pain Center and a Sleep Disorders Center. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.
