Hepatology

Hepatology is an area of medical specialty that traditionally focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that impact the liver. The BMH Brighter Futures Program operates a Hepatology Clinic with a specific focus that is targeted toward the evaluation and treatment of hepatitis and HIV.

Hepatology Clinic Services

The skilled providers at the BMH Hepatology Clinic offer the following services for patients ages 3 and older:

  • Testing and diagnosis for Hepatitis A, B, and C. Tests may include scans, bloodwork, and/or ultrasound.
  • Vaccination for Hepatitis A and B
  • Curative treatment for Hepatitis C – Hepatitis C is highly treatable with a 95-98% cure rate in as little as 8 to 12 weeks when a patient remains compliant with the prescribed treatment program. Treatment is non-invasive with minimal, if any, side effects.
  • Evaluation and treatment for HIV

Learn More About Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is most often caused by a virus, but may also be a result of alcohol use, drug use, or certain medical conditions. Learn more about the most common forms of hepatitis by clicking on the links below.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that typically causes only mild illness. Hepatitis A spreads primarily through contaminated food or water and certain types of sexual contact.

Most who get hepatitis A recover on their own within two weeks to six months without liver damage.

Today, most children are routinely vaccinated for Hepatitis A. Parents can have their children vaccinated at Boone Memorial Health.

Hepatitis B is spread most often through unprotected sex, and through sharing needles, razors, or a toothbrush with an infected person.  An infected mother can pass hepatitis B to her baby during childbirth.

Many who become infected with hepatitis B will clear the virus after a few weeks or several months and remain virus free.  However, there are others who will develop chronic hepatitis B infection, which is a serious lifelong infection that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination.  Hepatitis B vaccinations are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.  At-risk adults can also be vaccinated. 

People at risk include:

  • Healthcare workers
  • People traveling to areas where hepatitis B is widespread
  • People with HIV infection
  • People with kidney disease or chronic liver disease
  • IV drug users who share needles
  • Sexually active people with multiple partners

Hepatitis B vaccinations are available at Boone Memorial Health.

Hepatitis C spreads through infected blood, but often carries no symptoms.  Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.   If acquired, nearly 75% of people will carry the virus in their body in the long term. While chronic hepatitis C can be serious, leading to liver failure and liver cancer, there is good news. Effective treatments are available.

The BMH Hepatology Clinic offers testing and active treatment for hepatitis C. Treatment is non-invasive with minimal, if any, side effects. Patients who maintain their treatment protocol, can typically be cured of the disease within 8 to 12 weeks.

People primarily acquire hepatitis C through:

  • Sharing needles or other items used to inject drugs
  • Getting a body tattoo or body piercing with an infected needle
  • Childbirth – A mother may pass the virus to her child while giving birth

Find a Provider

The BMH Brighter Futures Hepatology Clinic providers have certifications from:
West Virginia Hepatitis Academic Mentoring Partnership
West Virginia HIV Academic Mentoring Partnership

BMH Hepatology Clinic

660-A South Main St | Madison, WV
Located in the BMH Medical Clinic
Beside the Madison Post Office

Fri: 8am – 4pm
Walk-Ins Welcome. Appointments Preferred.
Appointment Phone: 304-369-7876
Clinic Phone: 304.369.4250

Learn more about BMH Brighter Futures and the services it provides. 

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