HIV & Viral Hepatitis Screening
CBH recommends that members seeking substance use disorder services be informed of available human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis services.
As of July 1, 2023, the Department of Drug and Alcohol (DDAP) requires that Single County Authorities and licensed drug and alcohol treatment centers provide HIV and viral hepatitis prevention/care services via integration or collaboration with other provider networks. The direct requirement can be found in Part V (V.8 & V.9; pp 23-24) and Appendix C (pp 46-47) of the Case Management and Clinical Services guide.
Below are tools and resources to support the implementation of these requirements.
Member Resources
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health provides HIV and viral hepatitis resources and education through prevention programs, testing, and treatment support. To learn more, visit phillykeeponloving.com.
Provider Resources
Testing Recommendations for People Who Use/Inject Drugs
To increase the identification and treatment of all people with HIV and viral hepatitis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all adults receive HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C testing at least once in their lifetime or more often as needed.
See below for specific testing recommendations. CBH has also prepared a testing worksheet for Providers.
Hepatitis A
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends hepatitis A vaccination for unvaccinated adults at increased risk for infection or severe disease from infection.
- The Hepatitis A vaccine series is typically administered over the course of 6 months.
Hepatitis B
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends universal screening for all adults aged 18 years or older, at least once during their lifetime.
- Routine periodic hepatitis B testing is suggested for people who inject drugs,
- Clients without hepatitis B immunity, including adults aged 19–59 and adults 60 and older with risk factors, should be vaccinated.
- Hepatitis B vaccination series is typically administered in 2-3 doses, depending on the vaccine.
Hepatitis C
- Individuals over the age of 18, regardless of risk, should be tested at least once in their lifetime.
- People who currently inject drugs and share needles, syringes, or other drug preparation equipment should receive routine periodic hepatitis C testing.
HIV
- For people who share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment, or engage in transactional sex, HIV testing should be conducted at least once a year.
- Due to an ongoing HIV outbreak in Philadelphia in people who inject drugs, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends repeat HIV testing every 3 months in this population.
Testing Codes
| Infection | Laboratory Test Names | Lab Test Codes (Quest) | Lab Test Codes (LabCorp) | Lab CPT Codes (ADL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B Virus | HBV Surface Antigen | 498 | 006510 | 87340 |
| Hepatitis B Virus | HBV Surface Antibody | 498 | 006395 | 86706 |
| Hepatitis B Virus | HBV Core Antibody | 501 | 006718 | 86704 |
| Hepatitis B Virus | HBV Core IgM | 4848 | 016881 | 86705 |
| Hepatitis B Virus | HBV DNA Quantitative | 8369 | 551745 | 87517 |
| Hepatitis C Virus | HCV Antibody w/ Reflex to RNA | 8472 | 144050 | 86803 |
| HIV | HIV 1, 2 Screening (Fourth Gen) | 91431 | 083935 | 87389 |
Additional Resources for Providers
Viral Hepatitis
Philadelphia Community & Provider Resources
- Phillyhepatitits.org – Philadelphia-specific resources for Hepatitis education and prevention from the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health
- Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia – Community toolkits, printable resources, and provider guidelines and trainings from the Health Federation of Philadelphia.
Guidelines and Information
- Pennsylvania Department of Health – Hepatitis Guide
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Viral Hepatitis Information Hub
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Learn About Viral Hepatitis
- University of Washington – Hepatitis B Treatment Management Guide
- National Health Care for the Homeless Council – Hepatitis C Provider Pocket Guide
Professional Organizations
HIV
Training Resources
- MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center– Events and education for providers, supported by the University of Pittsburgh.
- University of Washington – National HIV Curriculum – HIV/AIDS self-directed education and training for providers.
Guidelines
- Pennsylvania Department of Health – HIV testing information and recommendations
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control – HIV Prevention PrEP Guidelines
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – HIV Treatment Guidelines
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – HIV and Substance Use Disorders Guidelines
