Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center

The Tulane Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program is one of approximately 100 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – accredited programs dedicated to the comprehensive care of adults with cystic fibrosis. Tulane’s Cystic Fibrosis Center was established in 1993 in large part due to the great strides made in the care of children with cystic fibrosis who were living well into adulthood. The first adult program director was the late Dean Baker Ellithorpe, MD, whose influence on the program is present to this day. At this point, over half of the people with cystic fibrosis are over the age of 18. State-of-the art care is needed across the spectrum of life into adulthood with CF. Tulane’s Adult CF Program is here to meet that need. Our team has the expertise and experience to accurately diagnose your condition, transition you from pediatric to adult care, and provide personalized care plans throughout your life.

Adult Cystic Fibrosis: Why Choose Tulane

• Patient-centered support: At Tulane, we believe in partnering with you in order to provide the high quality, specialized, and personalized care you need.
   
• Collaborative and multi-disciplinary care: Our pulmonologists work closely with respiratory therapists, pharmacists, nurses, and other experts — including specialists in endocrinology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and psychiatry — to develop and coordinate your personalized care plan.
   
• Innovative research, clinical trials and national recognition: As part of the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network (TDN), we are dedicated to developing new and better cystic fibrosis treatments through participating in clinical trials.

Multi-Disciplinary and Comprehensive Care

Cystic fibrosis is a complex disease and requires a team approach. Your CF care team includes:

• Your CF Doctors
• Your CF Nurse
• Your CF Dietician
• Your CF Social Worker
• Your CF Respiratory Therapist
• Your CF Pharmacist
• Your CF Research Coordinator
• Other Consulting Physician Specialists:
  • Endocrinology
  • Otolaryngologist (or “ENT” for ear, nose, and throat doctor)
  • Medicine-Psychiatry
  • Gastroenterology

Tests, Treatments and Services We Offer

The most common tests, treatments and services we offer include:

• CF Foundation recommended and guideline based year-round care.
• Genetic Testing.
• Sweat Chloride Tests.
• Comprehensive laboratory services including sweat testing and genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
• Comprehensive sputum testing and cultures held to the highest CF Foundation standards with reflex send-out to National Jewish Respiratory in Denver Colorado for positive mycobacterial cultures and to the Lipuma lab for the rare cases of positive Burkhoderia.
• Imaging including chest X-rays, DEXA scans, and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
• Both in-home and laboratory spirometry and complete pulmonary function testing in the laboratory.
• Oxygen flow and saturation testing.
• Medication management, prior authorization, and optimization.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation including a dedicated Peloton exercise subscription reserved for adults with cystic fibrosis.