HIV

David Alain Wohl, MD, associate professor, division of infectious diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, suggests that quality management of HIV has, for the most part, been self-regulated. He says that when it comes to HIV management, there is a lack of feedback or "quality improvement mechanisms" outside the managed care setting.

Evidence-Based Immunology and Infectious Disease, the fourth title in the news series from The American Journal of Managed Care, launches with an issue that features interviews with leading AIDS researchers, a discussion of the challenges of paying for breakthrough therapies for hepatitis C, and new information on causes and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Offering a first glimpse of the health care needs of Americans who bought coverage through federal and state marketplaces, an analysis of the first two months of claims data shows the new enrollees are more likely to use expensive specialty drugs to treat conditions like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C than those with job-based insurance.

In the concluding segment, Dr Fendrick asks the panel to provide closing remarks about the future of treating hepatitis C (HCV). Dr Afdal says he believes this is a moment in time where a revolution is taking place.