Medical Services

The Duke University Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is committed to providing the best possible care to patients with sickle cell disease and to finding ways to improve that care. Both in-patient and out-patient care is provided.

Medical, surgical, rehabilitative, psychosocial and educational services are provided. The service capacity of the sickle cell center is enhanced through referrals to the vast resources of Duke University Medical Center and the community. Duke University Medical Center has on its staff a number of specialists, such as obstetricians, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons, who are skilled in working with patients with sickle cell disease. In addition, we offer advanced services for safe blood transfusion and exchange transfusion of patients with sickle cell disease when such services are required.

Adult Outpatient Clinic

The Sickle Cell Clinic is located at 2N on the second floor of Duke South building. Patients are seen daily on Mon.-Fri. by appointment. Contact the triage nurse at 919-681-3741 for either same day or next day appointments to be evaluated for sickle cell related symptoms and pain episodes. Please call as early as you realize you will need treatment.

Adult Sickle Cell Day Hospital

Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be used to treat acute and uncomplicated pain. It may help to avoid Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospitalizations and provide timely short term pain management. The Day Infusion Unit is located at 2A. Treatment is by appointment only. Latest appointment is 3 p.m. Mon.-Fri, 11:45 a.m., Saturdays. You must first call the Sickle Cell Infusion unit provider to discuss symptoms and plan at 919-681-3753.  Please leave message with valid phone number and the provider will call you back. The Infusion Center can schedule you for same day appointment for pain management, hydration and transfusion.

Pediatric Adult Transition Clinic

This clinic is directed to those patients 18 to 25 years of age who recently transitioned from Pediatrics to Adult care.

Social Services

The Center provides clinical social work services to patients and families who find themselves faced with challenges related to sickle cell disease.  All new patients are seen by the sickle cell clinical social worker prior to being seen by the provider.  In order to speak to the Adult Sickle Cell clinical social worker, you may call the Sickle Cell office or make a request with the nursing staff or receptionist in Clinics 2N and 2A.  Established patients may also make an appointment to see the social worker on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn more about the center's social services.