These numbers demonstrate that with guidance and support, PCPs who have never previously treated HCV can achieve the same rate of cure as a specialist (95-99%).
In my 36 years of medical practice in Logan and Mingo counties, I frequently noted the number of patients I
was discharging from the hospital with mental health problems, that had nowhere to be referred for mental
health issues whether it be depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or drug and alcohol addiction. Any referrals to
other counties ended up being canceled or no shows. Their problems were not addressed, and therefore
mental health issues flourished and worsened. Until recently it was 6 months before that patient could be
seen locally.
As I was evaluating MAT patients, I found a high percentage positive for HCV. We decided to help these
people with my background in GI. I joined WVHAMP and was well schooled by Dr Feinberg and others. I’ve
evaluated 57 patients until now and have 40 cures. They probably would never have been treated except for
WVHAMP.
When I began as staff physician at Logan Mingo Area Mental Health (LMAMH) 8+ years ago, I was the only local provider for the area except for a doctor on telehealth for some of the Mingo County consumers. Working 12 hours/day, 6 days/week we were able to try to catch up on those who had lost their appointments
from the previous single provider. I see my role at LMAMH as trying to assist the community with their mental health concerns now that there are nurse practitioners on staff. I plan to direct the plan of patient care with all providers, as this community must have a local answer for general psychiatry problems as well as the ever-increasing load of patients suffering from substance use disorder; at least for the portion of them seeking our help or being referred from the ER, local physicians’ offices, and law enforcement. And now we can add curing
HCV to our list of accomplishments.
Dr. Rushden participated in the first (and only) in-person WVHAMP training in March 2020 and 13 of his
patients who have reached the timepoint for assessment of response have all been cured, 100% cure rate.
With WVHAMP support he has treated complex patients who previously would have been referred to
specialists in Charleston. The 57 consultants he has submitted so far, 38 have been referrals, evidence that he is seen as an expert resource in his community.
Each Cohort will have a full-day (WVHAMP 1) session followed by a half-day (WVHAMP 2) session approximately 6 months later. Monthly evening webinars will occur every 2 months on the 2nd or 3rd Tuesday.
Half day training will be registered for privately and is required for completion after each full day training.
August 10, 2022 (Cohort 8) – Register HERE
November 9, 2022 (Cohort 9) – Register HERE
February 7, 2023 (Cohort 10) -Register HERE
July 11, 2023 (Cohort 11) – Register HERE
October 3, 2023 (Cohort 12) – Register HERE
January 9, 2024 (Cohort 13) – Register HERE
