title: The role of primary care physician assistants in managing chronic hepatitis B.
abstract: This article informs physician assistants of an algorithm designed for primary care practice to guide the screening of patients for hepatitis B virus infection. The algorithm also provides guidance on evaluation, follow-up, and referral of patients who screen positive. The algorithm is a synthesis of several published, evidence-based practice guidelines and reports.
authors.affiliation: Geoff A. Beckett is chief of the Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga. Joan M. Block is executive director and co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation in Doylestown, Pa. Chari Cohen is director of public health at the Hepatitis B Foundation. Brian J. McMahon is scientific program and clinical director of the Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Geoff A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Beckett
authors.forename: Joan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Block
authors.forename: Chari
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: McMahon
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010823:Physician Assistants; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012380:Role