Florida Viral Hepatitis Network: Hepatitis Elimination Series

November 2025

This webinar kicks off a three-part educational series on the screening, diagnosis, and management of chronic hepatitis C, hosted by Patrick Horne, NP, and featuring expert hepatologist Dr. Philip Styne. In this session, Dr. Styne breaks down the essentials of HCV epidemiology, risk factors, and the urgent need for broad screening among adults—especially in the wake of rising cases linked to the opioid epidemic. He explains how today’s simplified diagnostic tools, including reflex antibody/RNA testing and the FIB-4 score, allow primary care providers to confidently identify active infection and assess fibrosis without invasive procedures. The program also highlights Florida’s Viral Hepatitis Network’s mission to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030, strategies for managing uninsured or under-insured patients, and emerging advances such as point-of-care HCV RNA testing. This foundational episode sets the stage for upcoming sessions on modern HCV treatment and real-world case management.