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FAQ
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about FirstHealth and our care network.
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Clinical Trial
Dental Care
Clara McLean House
FirstHealth Transfer Center
Bronchial Thermoplasty
Who decides if I can participate in a certain clinical trial?
The participating physician and research nurse determine a patient's eligibility to participate in a specific clinical trial based on the requirement for that clinical trial. If the patient is eligible, then it is up to the patient to make the final decision whether or not they want to participate.
Who decides which treatment I will receive?
Most clinical studies randomize the patients to a specific treatment arm in a random manner, often by computer.
Do cancer patients ever receive placebos (inactive medications) in a clinical trial?
Cancer patients in a clinical trial always receive the current standard of care or a new treatment that the study sponsors believe is as good as or better than the standard of care. The only use of a placebo in a clinical trial would be in combination with standard treatment to compare standard treatment alone to standard treatment and a new drug.
Who sponsors cancer clinical trials?
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors most of the clinical trials at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. Drug companies may also sponsor clinical trials in order to show that the drugs and medical devices they are developing are safe and effective and should receive FDA approval for use by all cancer patients. Some clinical trials may be sponsored by cancer research facilities at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears and no later than his/her first birthday.
Why do I need to take my child to the dentist so early?
Dental problems often start early, so the sooner the child visits the dentist, the better.
Taking a look before the child’s first birthday is the perfect chance for the dentist to see how the mouth and teeth are developing. The dental team can give advice on how to prevent early childhood tooth decay, how to handle teething, and what to do about thumb sucking and pacifier use.
How are the clinical trials paid?
The clinical trial sponsor pays for the experimental treatment. Some sponsors may pay a small amount for travel expenses for treatment or required tests. Most health insurance companies pay for routine costs involved in a clinical trial. Medicare pays the routine costs in all government-sponsored Phase II and Phase III treatment clinical trials for Medicare recipients.
What will happen at the first dental visit?
The first dental visit will help to educate the parent about how to adopt good dental habits for the child. It is best to make the appointment early in the day when the child is alert and refreshed. The parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the first exam. This is called a ‘lap exam” and is used until the child is old enough to sit in the dental chair alone.
The dentist will examine the teeth and gums and will do a gentle cleaning. X-rays may be taken depending on the needs seen by the dentist. You will be shown how to brush and clean your child’s mouth, and the dental team will discuss diet and nutrition. Fluoride needs will also be evaluated.
The dentist will be able to answer questions you may have and will make you and your child comfortable during the first visit.
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. They help your child speak clearly and chew better, and they hold space for the adult “permanent” teeth. Cavities that are ignored in the baby teeth can lead to problems in the development of adult teeth.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Children should visit their dentist every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
Are thumb sucking and pacifiers bad for my child’s teeth?
Thumb- and pacifier-sucking habits usually become a problem only if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of 3, this habit can affect the permanent teeth. If you have concerns, consult with your dentist.
Should my child go to bed with a bottle at night?
No. It is recommended that a child have only water in the night-time bottle. Putting milk or other sugary drinks in a bottle overnight can cause a child to develop “nursing bottle decay.” This is a condition in which the front teeth become severely decayed down to the gumline and often have to be removed. Sugary liquids react with plaque on the teeth to form acids that lead to this severe tooth decay.
When should I begin cleaning my child’s teeth and gums?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily. A “smear” of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it. Young children love to brush their teeth! However, since children do not have the ability to brush their teeth well until age 7 to 8, it is best for the parent to brush the child’s teeth after the child has brushed. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing so that they do not swallow too much fluoride. Your dentist can help you decide whether your child has the skill level to brush properly without help.
Is there a charge for staying at Clara McLean House?
The room fee for overnight guests is $35 per night for a single or double room. The day room fee is $20. Requests for fee adjustments may be discussed with the House Manager.
What are the requirements for staying at the house?
Guests must be family members or direct caregivers of a patient at Moore Regional, or a patient scheduled for an outpatient procedure or patients scheduled for surgery the next day. Guests must live at least 30 miles from Pinehurst and be referred by the patient’s physician or by physicians, nurses or other staff at FirstHealth facilities. Guests must agree to abide by Clara’s House Rules.
Is financial need one of the requirements for staying here?
No. This is a common misperception. Clara’s House is for everyone, of all ages and incomes, who meets the requirements. We are here for families, direct caregivers and outpatients dealing with serious medical needs and who must typically journey from at least 30 miles away.
We are sensitive to the many needs of our guests and try to accommodate them when we can on a case-by-case basis.
What time may I check in?
Guests may check in between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Exceptions can be made with prior arrangement. All adult guests must present a photo I.D. at check-in.
How many people can stay in one room?
Two persons may stay in a single room and four persons may stay in a double room.
What is provided in each room?
Each room features a private bath, one or two queen beds, pillows, sheets, towels, cable TV, phone and clock radio.
How long may I stay?
The maximum stay is 21 days if the guest continues to meet the criteria for lodging. Stays of more than 21 days may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
May I come and go, as I want?
Yes. Guests must utilize the front door after 5 p.m. and can ring the doorbell for service. Guests are requested to make a special effort to honor our quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
How close is FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital?
Clara’s House is just a short walk from the hospital. We are located right across the street at 20 FirstVillage Drive. The FirstHealth shuttle service is available from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Security provides assistance all other hours.
What security is available?
All guest rooms have double locks. A manager is on site 24/7. FirstHealth security personnel make regular patrols and can be called in an emergency.
Are children permitted to stay at the house?
No guests under the age of 18 are permitted at this time.
Is there housekeeping service?
Guest rooms are professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to check-in and after five days an automatic room refresh is provided. Additional linens or towels are available upon request.
Is there food service?
A light continental breakfast is provided daily. Guests may bring, prepare and store food items in the kitchen located downstairs. Limited supplies of staples are available. Food and drinks, other than water, are not allowed in the guest rooms.
What is the smoking policy?
Clara’s House and its surrounding grounds are tobacco-free, as are all FirstHealth facilities.
What services are available for day guests?
Two day-visit rooms provide private, comfortable places to rest, relax and watch TV or to shower. Day guests have access to the room and all the common areas and facilities of the house, including the kitchens and laundry, for up to 12 hours.
Are pets allowed?
We are unable to accommodate pets unless they are service animals.
What if there are no rooms available at Clara's House?
We will refer you to a local hotel in our discounted lodging program. The Foundation of FirstHealth provides financial assistance when needed.
Who built Clara’s House? Is it paid for?
Clara’s House was built by and is owned by The Foundation of FirstHealth with generous donations from members of our community including the vision of Mrs. Ruth Watkins and the generous support from Miss Clara McLean. See the History page to learn more.
No, Clara’s House is not paid for. This is another frequent misunderstanding. Our kind benefactors paid for the construction of the facility. Additional revenue is needed each year to pay for the operation of Clara’s House. These funds are provided through the kindness of members of our community, grateful guests of Clara’s House and The Foundation.
What services are not available at FirstHealth?
- High-velocity multi-system Trauma cases
- Burns requiring Burn Center
- Pediatric ICU
- Transplants & Organ Rejection
- Plasmaphoresis
- Whipple or Liver Procedures
- Intracranial Coiling
If I have a transfer to a FirstHealth hospital, how do I get my patient accepted?
Call (910) 715-BEDS or (910) 715-2337.
Emergency ServicesIf I have a potential patient for a specialized physician, how do I get my patient accepted?
Call (910) 715-BEDS or (910) 715-2337.
Emergency ServicesCan I call an accepting physician directly?
Physicians called independently of the Transfer Center are not acting as an agent of FirstHealth. FirstHealth is not responsible for transfers that do not go through the FirstHealth Transfer Center.
Emergency ServicesWhat is Bronchial Thermoplasty?
Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is a safe outpatient bronchoscopy procedure that uses mild heat to reduce excessive smooth muscle in the airways, which helps reduce severe asthma attacks.
How does BT work?
People with severe asthma have an excess of smooth muscle tissue lining their airways. During an asthma attack, this muscle constricts the airways, making breathing difficult. BT reduces the amount of excess muscle and helps minimize the narrowing of your airways during an asthma attack.
What are the benefits and risks of BT?
In a clinical trial, almost 79% of patients treated with BT reported significant improvements in their asthma-related quality of life—including a reduction in asthma attacks, ER visits and hospitalizations for respiratory symptoms, and fewer days lost from work, school, and other daily activities due to asthma. As with any procedure, there are risks, and individual results may vary. The most common side effect of BT is temporary worsening of respiratory-related symptoms (within 1 to 7 days). There is a small risk (3.4%) of these symptoms requiring hospitalization.
Am I a candidate for BT?
BT delivered by the Alair™ System is approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe asthma in patients 18 years and older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists such as Advair™, Symbicort™, and Dulera™. Further evaluation with your physician or a physician trained in BT will help determine whether you are a candidate who may benefit from this procedure.
What will happen during the procedure?
To ensure safety and optimal results every step of the way, BT is typically performed under moderate sedation in three separate sessions scheduled three weeks apart. Each session lasts about an hour and focuses on a different part of the lung to ensure all of the affected areas are treated. The device is introduced into your airways through a bronchoscope that is inserted into your mouth or nose, so no incision is required. After the procedure, you will be monitored for 2 to 4 hours and discharged on the same day. The treating physician will provide you with more details on what to expect during and after the procedure.
Who performs BT?
BT is performed at an outpatient hospital facility by a pulmonologist who is specially trained to perform bronchoscopy procedures and BT.
Will I be able to stop taking my asthma medications?
BT does not replace your current daily maintenance medication, but instead works with it to provide long-term stability in your asthma symptoms and lessen severe asthma attacks requiring oral steroids (prednisone).
Is BT covered by insurance?
Coverage policies and payment vary by payer. Your BT physician/staff will work with you to request coverage of your BT procedure.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Is there an elevator?
Yes, Clara's House has an elevator. Handicapped rooms are available as well.