Back To......

TB Program Services 209-8030
Services offered to prevent and control Tuberculosis.

·         Education

·         Screening

·         Treatment

·         Prevention

 

Are you at risk for TB? Find out if you should be screened.
2009 TB statistics by county.

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County TB Clinic is open to Hamilton County Residents.
TB testing is highly recommended for those who are at risk of being exposed to TB or at risk for progressing to active disease should they be exposed:

  • People in close contact with someone who has active TB
  • Immigrants from countries with a high rate of TB
  • Residents/ employees working or living in group settings
  • People with HIV infections or other medical conditions that cause a weakened immune system
  • Illicit drug users
  • Healthcare workers serving high-risk clients (people listed above)
  • Do you need skin testing for employment or school? Ask your employer if they have a contract with us.

TB Screenings-TB Clinic

  • The TB clinic performs TB screenings for clients at risk for TB by performing a symptom review and TB skin tests.
  • A TB screening tells if someone has been exposed to active TB disease. If the screening test is positive, a nurse checks for risk factors and gives the client a chest x-ray to determine if the person has active TB disease or latent TB infection.  
  • If you get a skin test, you must come back to have someone read your skin test 48 to 72 hours after your test is placed. After 72 hours (the third day), the test expires, and you may need to redo the test in order to get a result. Please take careful note of the schedule given to you when you receive your test so that you do not miss your reading time.
  • If you are sent here for a chest x-ray by your job or doctor, you are assessed for risk factors before receiving the chest x-ray. Please bring the millimeter measurement of your skin test and referral from your doctor. If necessary, you will be given a voucher to take to TC Thompson Children’s Hospital. Remember to take your insurance information with you.

Medication Appointments - TB Clinic
If a person does have latent TB infection, they may be given medication to treat their condition. Medications to treat latent TB infection are given out during regular hours or operation. A nurse also monitors how you are doing.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)

  • The Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)/Outreach Program provides medications and other direct care services to treat active TB disease in a place convenient for them. This is done to make sure that they complete their treatment.
  • DOT staff also provide TB outreach to people at risk for TB and work with family members and close contacts of active TB disease patients, checking them for disease/exposure and providing them with medication if necessary.

Education

  • Education provided about latent TB infection and active TB disease for patients, agencies, health care providers, and to the general community.
  • Staff serve as a primary TB resource for Hamilton County for guidance about TB surveillance, reporting requirements, infection control practices, and treatment guidelines.

Cost

Some clinic services have a fee associated with them. The following are the most common services provided, if medically indicated.

  • TB Skin Test $10
  • Nurse visit for medication refill NO CHARGE
  • Nurse visit for medical records of previous test/treatment NO CHARGE
  • Chest X-Ray $30

We accept cash, check, money order, and TennCare. Please bring your insurance information with you to each visit. You are responsible for any co-pays and deductibles that are required by your insurance company. No one is denied services if they cannot pay.