In a prior post, I shared my heretofore reluctance to prescribe medications for my hepatitis C (HCV) patients. In summary, after consideration of the risks and benefits of the available options, I could not persuade myself — or my patients — to pull the trigger. These patients were made aware of my conservative philosophy of medical practice. I offered every one of them an opportunity to consult with another specialist who had a different view on the value of HCV treatment.
I do believe that there is a medical industrial complex that is flowing across the country like hot steaming lava. While I have evolved in many ways professionally over the years, I have remained steadfast that less medical care generally results in better outcomes.
There was an astonishing development in HCV treatment that caused me to reevaluate my calculus. New treatment emerged that was extremely safe and amazingly effective. Now, nearly all patients with HCV can be cured by taking pills — no injections — that only rarely cause side effects. Over the past 2 years, I have had many successes treating patients who on my advice had declined prior treatment options.
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