A hematologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and other medical conditions of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic organs. Each of these plays a primary or critical supporting role in the health and effectiveness of the body’s circulatory system.

Many but not all blood and blood-related disorders are cancerous in nature. Among the cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Non-cancerous conditions include hemophilia and other blood-clotting disorders. The goal of hematology is to accurately identify these conditions and to restore or protect patient health with appropriate forms of care.

Hematologists complete medical or osteopathic school and a residency in internal medicine or pediatrics; some pursue additional subspecialty training. They are licensed to practice and often board certified, with many maintaining certification through ongoing education and assessment.

What Does a Hematologist Do?

Hematologists diagnose and treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions involving the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic organs, including:

• Anemia
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Hemophilia
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Myeloma
• Neutropenia
• Sepsis
• Sickle cell disease
• Thalassemia
• von Willebrand disease

They accomplish this through doctor–patient interaction, conducting physical exams, ordering bloodwork and other tests, prescribing medications, and arranging for blood transfusions and additional types of specialized medical care. Hematologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Many are also involved in university-based research programs.

What Types of Hematologists Are There?

Some hematologists focus on one or more areas:

• Adult hematology: Blood and related disorders affecting adults.
• Benign hematology (thrombosis & hemostasis): Blood-clotting and bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
• Hematopathology: Lab-based diagnosis of blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid diseases.
• Hematology/Oncology: Combined discipline focused on blood and blood-related cancers.
• Pediatric hematology: Hematologic conditions in children and adolescents.

When Should You See a Hematologist?

You should see a hematologist whenever you experience symptoms commonly associated with medical conditions of the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic organs, including:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Frequent bruising
• Labored breathing
• Persistent infections
• Physical weakness
• Slow-to-heal cuts

Some blood and lymphatic diseases have a hereditary basis. You may want to see a hematologist if you have a family history of sickle cell disease or a blood-clotting disorder.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to a Hematologist?

A visit to a hematologist will begin like any other medical visit. They will conduct a physical exam, ask about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and record your family history. Your hematologist may also ask quality-of-life questions to gauge the impact of your medical condition on your emotional health and well-being.

Bloodwork will play a critical role in your diagnosis. Your hematologist may order one or more of the following tests to collect data for evaluation:

• White blood cell differential: Measures the types of white blood cells.
• Complete blood count (CBC): Analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Prothrombin time (PT)/INR: Measures clotting via the extrinsic pathway.
• Partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): Measures clotting via the intrinsic pathway.
• Peripheral blood smear: Prepares blood cells for microscopic examination.
• Reticulocyte count: Measures production of young red blood cells.

Your hematologist may also order additional blood tests designed to identify various cancers.

On confirming a diagnosis, your hematologist can prescribe medications that are appropriate for your condition and arrange for additional specialty care.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family medical history that concerns you, the Baptist Health hematology team is ready to serve. For more information, use our online provider directory.

Hematologist FAQs

Does seeing a hematologist mean that I have cancer?

Not necessarily. Though hematologists diagnose and treat blood and related cancers, they also care for patients with non-cancerous conditions, such as hemophilia and other blood-clotting disorders.

Is a hematologist the same thing as an oncologist?

No. A hematologist is a medical or osteopathic physician who specializes in blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic diseases. An oncologist is a medical doctor who is expert in cancers. Hematologists and oncologists often work together in treating patients with blood or related cancers.

Do I need a referral to see a hematologist?

You may need a referral, depending on your insurance plan and clinic.

Do hematologists perform surgery?

No. Hematologists diagnose these conditions based on bloodwork and other tests, develop a treatment plan, and arrange for further specialty care, including surgery when appropriate.