Cystic Fibrosis Center
Contact the Cystic Fibrosis Center
Phone: (757) 668-7640
Email: Patricia.Banks@chkd.org
Clinic Information
For Families
We see families at the main hospital in a clinic dedicated solely to CF care. Clinics are held on Tuesday and Friday mornings for pediatric patients.
For Adults
Adults are seen Tuesday afternoons at the main hospital.
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Yoga for Cystic Fibrosis
About the Cystic Fibrosis Center at CHKD
Our program is accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for clinical care and research. We address the physical and emotional needs of the entire family and encourage parents to be active partners in managing their child's health.
We care for children and adults with confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and babies with a positive newborn screening of cystic fibrosis.
Our CF Center brings together experienced pediatric practitioners in the pulmonary and infectious disease specialties, as well as nutritionists, respiratory therapists, social workers and nurses. We tailor each child’s treatment plan according to their specific needs.
Our Physicians
Our pediatric physicians are board-certified in both general pediatrics and pulmonology or infectious diseases. Our consultants are board-certified in their respective specialties and have a dedicated interest in the treatment of patients with CF. Our physician for adult patients is board-certified in critical care, pulmonary and sleep medicine. They are assisted by nursing staff and various technical and office personnel, all of whom are trained to care for the special needs of children.
Our Services
Dr. Joshua Sill of Sentara Medical Group is the program director for the adult cystic fibrosis program at CHKD. The adult program is an accredited adult care center through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Care Network.
This preliminary blood test measures the level of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) present in the blood.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has guidelines to help prevent the spread of infections between patients in and outside of the clinic and hospital. We use these guidelines in our clinic to help keep our patients well.
You or your child's CF nutrition prescription needs to be individualized and assessed by a dietitian. Proper bone health can be a concern for many people with CF, as can CF-related diabetes. Your dietitian will work with our Gastroenterology and Endocrinology team to give you or your child continuity of care.
Our physical therapists work one-on-one with our patients with cystic fibrosis and other members of their care team to find ways to exercise safely, maintain good posture, optimize airway clearance and assist in preventing and addressing musculoskeletal pain secondary to CF.
Sweat chloride testing at CHKD tests for high amounts of sodium and chloride in a patient's sweat, which may be used to confirm the results of a newborn screening test.
Education Services
CHKD offers educational services through the hospital school program -- a state operated program that has teachers and educational consultants who provide year-round educational services for patients, ages 2 through 21. They work with physicians, nurses, and local schools to help children with chronic illnesses continue their studies. The program offers a continuum of services that cover inpatient status and outpatient clinics. Learn more about CF education services at CHKD here.
CF Parent Advisory Group
The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Advisory Group is a committee of parents and adult CF patients that provide feedback to the CHKD CF Center. The group works with the CF team to advance the practice of CF care and to improve the quality of care for patients.
The group’s prime objective is to enhance and optimize the medical care and quality of life for people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. In doing so, its members promote an open learning environment, improved communication between patients and providers, and personal empowerment.
The group's members, all parents of children with CF or adults with CF, share insights and information about their experiences, successes, and failures.
Goals of Cystic Fibrosis Advisory Group
- Empower individuals with cystic fibrosis and their families
- Open communication and active participation by patients and families in the provision of health care
- Continually improve the quality of care
- Support ongoing research
- Confront cystic fibrosis with optimism, love, compassion and solidarity
Insurance and Billing Information
We accept all major insurances, including Virginia Medicaid, Tricare, and Cardinal Health. Please take the time to understand how your insurance plan works, especially regarding annual deductibles and co-pays, which can affect your out-of-pocket costs.
Unless you have HMO insurance that requires a referral from a primary care physician, a referral is not required. You can simply call our office to make an appointment.
If your insurance does require a referral, make sure it has not expired and remember to bring it with you to the appointment.
Everyone should bring a government-issued photo ID and their insurance card to every medical appointment.
We offer in-depth information about insurance in our billing and insurance section.
