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                         JeffNEWS, July 12, 1994
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Dr. Hann Says Screenings Could Save U. S. $26.6 Billion 
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   Hie-Won Hann, MD, director of the Liver Disease Prevention Center and
professor of medicine (hepatology), recently sent to Ira Magaziner, the
architect of the Clinton healthcare plan, a $965-million proposal that
would save $26.6 billion in direct healthcare costs alone, plus a
substantial amount in indirect costs. 

   Dr. Hann's proposal involves screening all people at high risk for
infection with the hepatitis B virus. "If hepatitis B-virus carriers are
identified at an early stage of infection, careful follow-up of these
individuals with or without medical intervention can prevent or delay
the disease process," she said. "Currently, hepatitis B virus-related
liver diseases such as advanced liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancer
are the major causes of illness and death for Asian American males in
their 50s."

   Others at high risk for hepatitis B virus infection are healthcare
workers, intravenous drug users, people who engage in high-risk sexual
behavior, prisoners and the institutionalized mentally retarded.

   Dr. Hann and Bong H. Hyun, MD, DSc, clinical professor of pathology
and cell biology, were among Asian-American healthcare professionals
invited to attend a recent White House conference on health care. Of the
many  suggestions presented to Mr. Magaziner by the attendees, it was
Dr. Hann's that caught his attention and prompted him to request
additional written details.


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