By law, doctors must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Although licensing laws vary by state, all typically require you to graduate from an accredited medical school, successfully complete a specialized residency, and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination USMLE.
If you have been referred to a hematologist, it is either because a blood abnormality is at the center of your condition or a medical procedure, such as a stem cell transplant, would benefit from specialist oversight. Before meeting with a hematologist for the first time, prepare a list of symptoms that you've been experiencing, including their time, duration, and severity.
It often helps to keep a symptoms journal to log whenever an adverse event occurs. You should also prepare a list of any medications you are taking, whether they be pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, herbal, or traditional.
Some of these could potentially affect your blood chemistry or complicate treatment. Also, take the time to prepare a list of questions to better understand the nature of your condition and what to expect moving forward. Examples include:. It is also important to check that the hematologist and labs are in-network providers with your insurance company.
If not, you may be well served to find someone who is, particularly if you suspect that testing or treatments may be costly or extensive. To find a certified hematologist, ask your primary care physician for a list of referrals or use the online locator offered by the American Society of Hematology.
A hematologist is a highly skilled specialist who is meant to work in collaboration with, and not replace, your primary care physician so that the appropriate care is delivered within the context of your overall health. This is especially important if you have multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease, that may impact treatment decisions. Not everyone with a blood disorder needs a hematologist. If you have blood in the stool, a gastroenterologist may be more appropriate.
The same applies to hemorrhagic infections for which an infectious disease specialist may be better suited. If you are uncertain about the course of treatment, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask that your medical information be forwarded to another doctor. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Blood Adv. The hematologist generally focuses on direct patient care and diagnosing and managing hematologic disease, especially cancers. A hematopathologist is usually board-certified in both anatomical and clinical pathology and has additional years of training in hematopathology. Hematopathology is not only the study of disease of the blood and bone marrow. It is also the study of the organs and tissues that use blood cells to perform their physiologic functions. These include the lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus, and other lymphoid tissue.
Hematologists work in various settings, including blood banks, pathology laboratories and private clinics. Specialists in this branch of medicine can choose to focus on specific topics within the field of hematology, such as lymphatic organs and bone marrow and may diagnose blood count irregularities or platelet irregularities.
They are able to treat organs that are fed by blood cells, including the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and lymphoid tissue. Those in blood banks work to keep blood supplies safe and accessible, and may supervise labs that analyze blood samples and provide advice to organizations that provide advocacy services for patients with genetic blood disorders.
These hematologists may also work with government agencies on education campaigns designed to inform the public of disorders, such as anemia. As part of a patient care team, hematologists work closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists to help patients understand their diagnosis, develop individualized treatment plans, coordinate aspects of care and provide surgical, chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic treatment.
The work of hematologists is supported by laboratory technicians who examine samples of blood and blood forming tissue, which provide information about abnormalities and issues identified in laboratory screening. A hematologist may also specialize in genetic testing if they focus on inherited blood conditions.
Hematologists working in laboratories are referred to as hematopathologists. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Hematology Department home Sections Request an appointment.
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