GoTo Telemed, the nation's leading integrated telehealth ecosystem serving over 10 million patients nationwide, today announced the launch of its dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Monitoring Program, a comprehensive virtual care service designed to address the complex, lifelong needs of children and adolescents living with cystic fibrosis through evidence-based remote monitoring, multidisciplinary virtual consultations, and structured care coordination. Delivered by a network of pediatric pulmonologists, CF specialists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and social workers, this program brings expert, coordinated care directly to families nationwide.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, multi-system genetic disorder affecting approximately 40,000 children and adults in the United States, with about 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The disease primarily impacts the respiratory and digestive systems, requiring daily airway clearance, enzyme replacement, nutritional support, and meticulous monitoring for pulmonary exacerbations. Despite advances in CFTR modulator therapies that have dramatically extended life expectancy, the daily burden of care remains immense, and access to multidisciplinary CF specialty centers is often limited to major urban areas. GoTo Telemed's program eliminates geographic barriers while supporting families in maintaining the intensive home-based care that is essential to optimal outcomes.

"Cystic fibrosis demands constant vigilance—daily airway clearance, enzyme timing, nutritional tracking, and early recognition of subtle changes that can signal a pulmonary exacerbation," said a GoTo Telemed spokesperson. "Our Cystic Fibrosis Monitoring Program brings the full multidisciplinary expertise of a CF center directly into patients' homes. Through weekly virtual check-ins, remote monitoring of lung function and weight, and 24/7 access to specialty nurses, we empower families to stay ahead of complications and preserve lung function. For families who previously had to travel hours to reach a CF center, this program is transformative."

Comprehensive Remote Monitoring Protocols

The program implements structured remote monitoring aligned with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) guidelines and peer‑reviewed evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of telehealth in CF care:

Monitoring Component Frequency Clinical Application
Home Spirometry Weekly or bi‑weekly Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) measured via Bluetooth‑enabled portable spirometer (e.g., MIR SmartONE). Data transmitted automatically, with alerts for clinically significant declines (>10% drop).
Pulse Oximetry Daily Resting and activity‑related oxygen saturation. Early detection of hypoxemia guides oxygen therapy adjustments.
Weight and Nutritional Status Weekly Weight, height (for growth charts), and body mass index (BMI) tracking. Critical for identifying malabsorption or inadequate caloric intake.
Symptom and Treatment Diary Daily Cough frequency, sputum characteristics, appetite, energy level, adherence to airway clearance and medications, and pancreatic enzyme timing.
Infection Surveillance As needed Remote collection of throat swabs or sputum samples coordinated with local labs; results reviewed for pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas, MRSA) to guide antimicrobial therapy.
A 2025 systematic review of telehealth interventions in CF found that home spirometry monitoring improved adherence to lung function testing and facilitated earlier detection of pulmonary exacerbations, leading to timely intervention and reduced hospitalizations. In a large pediatric CF center, implementation of a telehealth monitoring platform resulted in 90% patient satisfaction, 95% caregiver satisfaction, and a significant reduction in travel burden for families living more than 50 miles from the center.

Multidisciplinary Virtual Care Team

The program delivers care through a dedicated multidisciplinary team, mirroring the gold‑standard CF center model but adapted for telehealth:

Specialist Role in Virtual CF Care
Pediatric Pulmonologist / CF Specialist Oversees clinical management, reviews spirometry trends, adjusts CFTR modulator therapy, prescribes antibiotics for exacerbations, and coordinates in‑person care when needed.
Respiratory Therapist Provides remote airway clearance coaching (using high‑frequency chest wall oscillation devices, positive expiratory pressure devices, and manual techniques), assesses technique, and troubleshoots equipment.
Registered Dietitian Monitors growth and nutritional status; adjusts pancreatic enzyme dosing; provides guidance on high‑calorie, high‑fat diets; and addresses feeding difficulties.
CF Nurse Coordinator Serves as the primary point of contact, conducts weekly video check‑ins, reviews daily logs, coordinates referrals, and provides family education and support.
Social Worker / Psychologist Addresses mental health, adherence challenges, school accommodations, and the psychosocial burden of living with a chronic disease.
Physical Therapist Provides remote exercise prescription and pulmonary rehabilitation guidance to maintain functional capacity and airway clearance.
Weekly virtual visits typically involve a structured check‑in with the nurse coordinator, supplemented by monthly visits with the pulmonologist and quarterly visits with the full team. This schedule reduces the need for frequent in‑person visits while maintaining close monitoring.

Evidence-Based Telehealth Protocols

The program is built on robust evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of telehealth in CF care:

Improved Access and Adherence: A 2024 study of a pediatric CF telehealth program reported that families living in rural areas had significantly higher adherence to home spirometry and symptom logging when supported by regular virtual visits, and 80% of families preferred a hybrid model combining telehealth with annual in‑person visits.

Early Detection of Exacerbations: Analysis of home spirometry data from over 500 CF patients showed that a 10% drop in FEV1 detected via home monitoring was associated with a 2‑fold increased risk of hospitalization within 30 days, allowing pre‑emptive outpatient antibiotic courses that reduced hospital admissions by 35%.

Nutritional Outcomes: Telehealth‑delivered nutrition counseling in CF resulted in improved BMI percentiles and reduced need for gastrostomy tube placement, with a 2025 study showing comparable outcomes to in‑person dietitian visits.

Caregiver Satisfaction: A large survey of CF families participating in telehealth programs reported high satisfaction with reduced travel time, decreased missed school/work days, and enhanced sense of support.

Technology-Enhanced Care Delivery

The program leverages GoTo Telemed's integrated digital health platform to support real‑time data sharing and communication:

Connected Devices: Bluetooth‑enabled spirometers, pulse oximeters, and digital scales transmit data directly to the patient’s electronic health record, creating a longitudinal view of lung function and nutritional status.

Medication Adherence Tracking: Integration with electronic medication dispensers and app‑based reminders for daily treatments (e.g., nebulized medications, pancreatic enzymes, CFTR modulators).

Airway Clearance Video Coaching: Live video sessions with respiratory therapists to observe and correct technique, with recorded sessions for family reference.

Symptom and Treatment Logs: Patient‑friendly mobile app for daily logging of cough, sputum, appetite, and treatments, with automated alerts for concerning trends.

Family Portal: Centralized access to all monitoring data, educational materials, and secure messaging with the care team.

Addressing Key Challenges in Pediatric CF Care

The program directly confronts persistent barriers to optimal CF management:

Geographic Disparities: Nearly 30% of CF families live more than 50 miles from a CF Foundation‑accredited care center. Telehealth eliminates travel burdens and expands access to specialty expertise.

Treatment Burden: The daily CF care regimen can take 2‑3 hours for airway clearance, medications, and nutrition. Virtual support helps families streamline routines and troubleshoot challenges.

Transition to Adult Care: The program includes structured transition planning for adolescents moving from pediatric to adult CF centers, with joint virtual visits involving both teams.

Mental Health Integration: Depression and anxiety are common in CF and affect treatment adherence. Embedded mental health support addresses these needs without requiring separate referrals.

Integration with In-Person CF Center Care

The GoTo Telemed CF Monitoring Program is designed to complement, not replace, in‑person CF center care. The platform securely shares monitoring data with the patient’s primary CF center, ensuring continuity. For families living far from a center, the program coordinates annual in‑person visits for pulmonary function testing, sputum cultures, imaging, and comprehensive assessments, with travel assistance where available.

A Transformative Opportunity for Pediatric CF Specialists

For pediatric pulmonologists, CF specialists, and allied health professionals, GoTo Telemed’s program offers a meaningful practice opportunity:

Focus on High‑Impact, Longitudinal Care: Providers guide children and families through the lifelong journey of CF, helping preserve lung function and quality of life.

Flexible Practice Model: Clinicians set their own schedules while serving a nationwide population of CF patients.

Complete Practice Support: Full malpractice insurance, billing and coding support for CF services, and immediate access to a growing population of families seeking remote monitoring.

No Administrative Burden: The platform handles credentialing, scheduling, documentation, and device coordination.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

The program adheres to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation guidelines, American Thoracic Society standards, and state‑specific telehealth regulations. Quality metrics include:

Lung function stability (FEV1 % predicted)

Nutritional status (BMI percentile)

Pulmonary exacerbation rate

Hospitalization and antibiotic days

Patient and caregiver satisfaction

Technology adherence rates

Availability and Partnerships

GoTo Telemed’s Cystic Fibrosis Monitoring Program is available immediately to families nationwide through the GoTo Telemed platform. Patients may enroll directly or be referred by their CF care center.

Pediatric pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and other CF specialists interested in joining the program are invited to apply through GoTo Telemed’s credentialing portal.

GoTo Telemed is actively forming partnerships with CF Foundation‑accredited care centers, pediatric hospitals, and health plans serving the CF population.




Media Contact:
GoTo Telemed Media Relations
[email protected]
(660) 628-1660
www.gototelemed.com