Background

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) were listed on the PBS S85 (General Schedule) from . To prescribe these DAAs, medical practitioners who are not experienced in hepatitis C (HCV) treatment are required to consult with a specialist prior to initiation of therapy.

The REACH-C study was established by the Kirby Institute in collaboration with ASHM as a national prospective multi-centre observational cohort study which aimed to evaluate the uptake and real world outcomes of direct anti-viral therapy for HCV in Australia. An online form was developed by ASHM and the Kirby Institute that medical practitioners could complete to gain approval to initiate DAA therapy. The REACH-C study has been completed, however ASHM is continuing to provide this service with the continued support of specialists, highly experienced in HCV treatment.

How to participate

The REACH-C online form continues to require demographic and clinical information and is located on the website [here]. The specialist will either approve the treatment choice or request further information. The anticipated turned-around for specialist approval via the REACH-C online form is 24 hours.

Full prescriber details are required so that specialist approval can be advised and/or contact made to request further information. Once the required data is entered into the online form, you will need to ensure you select the submit form button at the bottom of the form.

To protect patient privacy, patient initials are no longer required rather a Client ID, in the format of ASHM-XXXXX will be automatically generated.

Please note, there is a content question at the bottom of the REACH-C form, to ensure that patients are informed that their de-identified information is being provided through the REACH-C service for the treatment guidance from a specialist.

Specialist Approval will be provided by:

Prof Greg Dore (MBBS, BSc, MPH, PhD) is an infectious diseases physician and clinical academic at St Vincent’s Hospital. Greg is Head of the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW.

A/Prof Gail Matthews (MBChB, MRCP (UK), FRACP, PhD) is an infectious diseases physician and clinical academic at St Vincent’s Hospital. Gail is Associate Professor of the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW.

If you would like any more information about the online form and the specialist approval process, please contact [email protected]

Don’t forget to bookmark the REACH-C Form tab at the top of your screen before you leave this site, so you can come back to the form at any time.