title: [Hepatitis C in Germany: an analysis of statutory sickness funds claims data].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to investigate the number of persons who obtain medical attention for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). In addition, we wanted to get an overview of the supply situation (frequency and length of therapy or lab controls) for patients with HCV infection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data obtained from statutory insurance companies were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of HCV diagnosis was 0.19 % within 3 years. Following a positive HCV-test in 19 % of patients the diagnosis of acute HCV was documented. In 2008, 9.3 % of patients were treated with pegylated Interferon alpha with or without Ribavirin (11.9 % for chronic and 3.6 % for acute HCV). A general practitioner initiated in about 5.1 % and a specialist in 21.7 % of cases a therapy within a year. 37.0 % of patients treated by a general practitioner and 57.0 % of patients treated by specialists received prescriptions in the third quarter after initiating the therapy. Not all patients had a documented test for viral load prior to therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  50 % of HCV-patients visited a physician in a 3 year time period while an average of 9 % received a therapy within a year. For the coding of acute HCV diagnosis, duration of therapy and the necessary viral load test prior therapy, the analyses showed deviations from the guideline and differences between general practitioners and specialists. For future therapies, patients with HCV-infection should be treated in specialized centers so that these therapies may develop their efficiency in the health system.
authors.affiliation: Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Abteilung Health Economics, Neuss.
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tomeczkowski
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cornberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014600:Utilization Review; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents