Clinical outcomes of hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin via telemedicine consultation in Northern California.

Background: Patients in rural communities are less likely to receive treatment for their hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Telemedicine (TM) consultation can close the gap of access to specialists in remote and under-served areas.

Aim: To determine treatment response and side-effect profiles among HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin via TM consultation in different rural locations in Northern California compared with patients treated in traditional hepatology office visits.