Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Monash Health’s Cystic Fibrosis team.

I need a new prescription filled, can I do this outside of an appointment?

If you require a repeat prescription for your medications, please email monashcf@monashhealth.org with the following information:

  • Patient name
  • Weight (for paediatric patients only)
  • Name of medication
  • Dose and how often
  • Where prescription is to be sent eg: Monash Health pharmacy, local pharmacy (please include fax, email and street address of chosen retail pharmacy) or mailed to your home address

Please note that prescription requests will be completed by the medical team only on Wednesdays. Please try to plan ahead and request any scripts for medications you are running low on at your routine clinic appointment.

How long do pathology results take to come back?

Viral/bacterial swabs (nose/throat and cough) usually take 24 hours processing time through to 7 days for validation.  Sputum bacterial samples can take anywhere from 5-14 days to validate. Mycobacterial cultures may take up to 3 months. Pathology results will be checked weekly, usually on a Wednesday.

You can contact the CF Coordinator or email monashcf@monashhealth.org for results but please note if there is a new bacteria in your sputum they can’t disclose this information and you will need to call your GP or wait for a clinic appointment and discuss the results with your CF doctor.

How do I make an appointment or change one that I can’t attend?

Regular outpatient visits are important to help you optimise your health. Appointments can be made by calling the CF administrator on 03 9594 2915 or Respiratory Reception on 03 9594 2900.
Your clinic appointment will generally involve a lung function test, measuring weight and height, sputum sample collection and review by the members of the team including doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, dietitian and social worker. We also have a psychologist on our team who can make contact as required. We also encourage you to contact any member of the team between clinic visits if you need to either directly or via the CF nurse coordinators at monashcf@monashhealth.org

How can I get a referral to Monash CF?

Call the CF nurse coordinators on 03 9594 2915 or email monashcf@monashhealth.org to discuss your intent to transition or transfer your care. You will need a GP referral to see our doctors and a handover of care from your previous treating team.

What if I am becoming unwell?

Contact the CF nurse coordinators on 03 9594 2915 or email monashcf@monashhealth.org

They can:

  • Give you advice
  • Help you to make a decision if you need to be:
    • seen by your CF doctor
    • seen by your GP
    • come into the hospital for a test or x-ray
    • admitted to hospital
  • Discuss your care with your doctor, physiotherapist, dietitian or social worker and they will call you back with more advice
Our Emergency Departments are experiencing extreme demand. If your condition is urgent but not a medical emergency, please consider alternative care options.Learn more
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