Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infection Testing Among Commercially Insured Persons Who Inject Drugs, United States, 2010–2017

Abstract

Abstract Background We assessed prevalence of testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Methods Using a nationwide health insurance database for claims paid during 2010–2017, we identified PWID by using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology, and National Drug Codes directory. We then estimated the percentage of PWIDs tested for HIV or HCV within 1 year of an index encounter, and we used multivariate logistic regression models to assess demographic and clinical factors associated with testing. Results Of 844 242 PWIDs, 71 938 (8.5%) were tested for HIV and 65 188 (7.7%) were tested for HCV infections. Missed opportunities were independently associated with being male (odds ratios [ORs]: HIV, 0.50 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.49–0.50], P < .001; HCV, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.65–0.72], P < .001), rural residence (ORs: HIV, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.65–0.69], P < .001; HCV, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.73–0.77], P < .001), and receiving services for skin infections or endocarditis (adjusted ORs: HIV, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.87–0.95], P < .001; HCV, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.86–0.95], P < .001). Conclusions Approximately 90% of presumed PWIDs missed opportunities for HIV or HCV testing, especially male rural residents with claims for skin infections or endocarditis, commonly associated with injection drug use.