The Tulane Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program is one of more than 130 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – accredited programs dedicated to the comprehensive care of adults with cystic fibrosis. Tulane has one of the oldest Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the country, with the first clinic being opened in 1958. Tulane’s Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program was established in 1993. The first adult program director was the late Dean Baker Ellithorpe, MD, whose influence on the program is present to this day.
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 to provide the highest quality, specialized, and personalized care you need.
- Collaborative and multi-disciplinary care: Our pulmonologists work closely with respiratory therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, nurses, and other experts — including specialists in endocrinology, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and mental health — 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 and diagnostics through participating in clinical trials.
Multi-Disciplinary and Comprehensive Care
Cystic fibrosis is a complex disease and requires a team approach. Learn more about our team at Tulane here.
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
- Otolaryngology (or “ENT” for ear, nose, and throat)
- Medicine-Psychiatry
- Gastroenterology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Urology
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
- Access to clinical trials as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network (TDN)
- Medication management, prior authorization, and optimization
- Comprehensive laboratory services, including:
- Genetic Testing
- Sweat Chloride Testing
- 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.
- Comprehensive imaging including:
- Chest X-rays
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans
- DEXA scans
- Spirometry and complete pulmonary function testing
- Oxygen flow and saturation testing
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
