Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to Expand Its US Care Center Network

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation plans to expand its U.S. Care Center Network from the existing 45 facilities, which provide diagnosis and treatment.

The network started with nine sites when it was launched in 2013.

The foundation wants to see enough centers so 90 percent of patients in urban areas can get to one within two hours. The figure is presently 78 percent.

Centers that meet the foundation’s standards are invited to apply to join the network beginning Jan. 22.

The fibrotic lung disease specialty centers are involved in teaching and research as well as care. They are required to have experts in rheumatology, pulmonary medicine, pathology, and radiology.

Patients who use the centers receive comprehensive evaluations and diagnoses. The facilities  offer patients recommendations for continuing care, help obtaining social services, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research.

The centers also work with the foundation on outreach to the pulmonary fibrosis community, including lining up support groups to help patients and caregivers connect with others with the disease.

“As the leading advocate for patients with pulmonary fibrosis, we are facilitating much-needed access to the individualized and comprehensive care that is so critical to an improved quality of life for patients,” Gregory P. Cosgrove, the foundation’s chief medical officer, said in a press release.

“The expansion of the CCN [care centers network] will not only advance the quality of care and services for patients, but also offers important support for their caregivers and loved ones,” Cosgrove added.

Facilities that want to join the network can submit applications to pulmonaryfibrosis.org. The site contains eligibility criteria and the application form.

The foundation promotes access to high-quality care and sponsors research aimed at a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Its goal is for people with the disease to live longer, healthier lives. The foundation is collaborating with organizations, physicians, patients, and caregivers worldwide.

A list of all 45 care centers can be found at this link.