Hepatitis C, diagnosis and management: a survey of practicing physicians in Hawaii.

Abstract

We surveyed 652 Hawaii physicians who diagnosed hepatitis C (HCV) since 1997. Less than 20% of licensed physicians have diagnosed HCV and initial estimates suggest there are 12,000 to 18,000 undiagnosed HCV cases in Hawaii. Treatment is concentrated among twelve physicians and aggressive case finding may overwhelm present resources. More primary care physicians need to participate in the detection and management of HCV.