The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic — a Multi-Specialty Approach
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The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic is comprehensive in scope, offering care for adults patients with this disease. That means that patients receive care from a team that includes doctors, nutritionists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists and nurse practitioners– all skilled in the type of care required to treat this disease. |
Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
Physicians
John Conforti, M.D. |
In addition, patients also have access to specialists in endocrinology, otolaryngology, orthopedics and other subspecialties as needed for your complete care.
The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic is held on Monday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Since this is a specialty clinic, patients will require a physician referral to be seen. Please have your primary care physician call 336-716-4649 to schedule a new appointment.
Cystic Fibrosis Is Genetically Inherited
Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutation in the gene that produces the protein that moves chloride ions (a component of common table salt) through cell membranes. This protein is present in cells lining the passageways of the lungs, pancreas, colon, and genitourinary tract. When this protein is abnormal, the movement of chloride ions and water in the lung and other cells becomes blocked, and there is secretion of abnormal mucus. Those who have cystic fibrosis have inherited two abnormal genes, one from each of their parents.
A person born with the Cystic Fibrosis gene usually has symptoms during early childhood, however, signs of the disease may not appear until adolescence or later. Diagnosis options include the following:
- Sweat Test
- Sputum Test
- Genetic Screening
- Stool Analysis
- Imaging techniques may be used to reveal lung conditions and abdominal obstruction.
Patient Information
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Scheduling Appointments
Since the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic provides specialized care, patients will require a physician referral to be seen. Please have your primary care physician call 336-716-4649 to schedule a new appointment.
For other information, such as scheduling return visits or prescription refills, you may call the same number.
Cancellations
If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please call 336-716-4649 no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment so we may use this time for another patient.
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Clinic Visits
Clinic visits are by appointment only. To assure appropriate follow-up, we require that you be referred by your primary care physician.
We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. If you are 15 minutes late, we may have to reschedule your appointment.
Your first visit will include a thorough assessment appropriate to your particular situation. It will be helpful if you can bring copies of recent x-rays, laboratory tests and other relevant medical records to this initial meeting.
When you return for a follow-up, you will be scheduled to see the same physician. If your doctor is unavailable for urgent problems, other doctors in our practice have access to your medical records and can provide care as needed.
Working With Your Primary Care Physician
We anticipate working closely with your primary care physician (family practitioner or internist) and will send copies of laboratory results, x-rays and records as requested. Since the Clinic provides specialty care, we will not be managing primary care problems.
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Prescription Refills
Please call 336-716-4649 for prescription refills. Requests are taken during office hours Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by fax to the pharmacist at 336-713-3472.
Please contact your pharmacist to verify that your prescription has been called into the pharmacy and is ready for you to pick up.
Please note the following restrictions regarding prescription refills:
We do not refill prescriptions prescribed by other physicians;
We cannot refill pain medications after office hours or during the weekend;
If you haven’t been seen by our physician within the last six months, you must schedule a follow-up visit prior to prescription refill. We want to make sure that the medication is properly dosed and that your health hasn’t changed.
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Messages
If you want to leave a message for your physician, please call 336-716-4649 during business hours. You will be asked for your phone number and the best time for staff to call back. We will have staff return your call within 24 hours.
After Hours Calls
If you have an urgent medical problem and you cannot wait to talk with your doctor during regular office hours, call 336-716-4649. The on-call doctor for Pulmonary Clinics will return your call.
Emergencies
If you have a medical emergency, go directly to the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Emergency Department or your nearest emergency room. Upon your arrival, notify the staff that you are a patient in the Pulmonary Clinic and give your physician’s name.
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Location
The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic is held on the 7th floor of the Clinical Sciences Bldg, Janeway Towers.
Maps and Directions
The location of and directions to these clinics will be included with your initial appointment information.
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