Being referred to a hematologist does not automatically mean you have cancer or a serious blood disease. A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders. Your primary care physician may recommend a referral because of unusual blood test results, persistent anemia, abnormal platelet counts, unexplained bruising, or symptoms that need further evaluation.
Although some blood disorders can be serious, many hematology referrals involve noncancerous conditions that can be monitored or treated.
If your doctor has recommended seeing a hematologist, understanding the reasons for the referral and what happens during your appointment can help you prepare.
At Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center, our Marlton, New Jersey practice provides specialized hematology and oncology care for patients throughout South Jersey.
Why Would Your Doctor Refer You to a Hematologist?
A physician may refer you to a hematologist when blood test results fall outside expected ranges or symptoms suggest a possible blood disorder.
Hematologists evaluate conditions involving red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, blood clotting, and bone marrow.
Common reasons for a referral include:
- Anemia: Low red blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels that may cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
- Abnormal white blood cell counts: Higher or lower levels that can be associated with infections, medications, inflammation, or blood disorders.
- Low or high platelet counts: Changes that may affect blood clotting or indicate another underlying condition.
- Iron deficiency: Low iron stores that may require additional testing or treatment.
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding: Symptoms that can indicate platelet or clotting abnormalities.
- Blood clots: A history of unusual or recurrent clotting that may need specialized evaluation.
- Abnormal blood proteins: Laboratory findings that sometimes require monitoring or further investigation.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Persistent enlargement that may warrant additional medical assessment.
Not every abnormal result requires treatment. Sometimes a hematologist simply confirms that a blood count variation is temporary or does not require intervention.
For more information about the specialty, explore our hematology services in Marlton, NJ.
Does Being Referred to a Hematologist Mean You Have Cancer?
No. A hematology referral is not the same as a cancer diagnosis.
This is one of the most common concerns among patients referred for additional blood testing.
Hematologists treat both noncancerous and cancerous blood conditions. Many referrals involve anemia, nutritional deficiencies, platelet abnormalities, or clotting problems.
However, hematologists also diagnose and manage blood cancers, including:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Certain myeloproliferative neoplasms
A specialist may recommend additional testing if the initial findings raise concern for one of these conditions. The referral itself does not establish that diagnosis.
At Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center, our board-certified hematology and oncology physicians evaluate medical histories, laboratory findings, and symptoms to help determine the appropriate next steps.
What Blood Test Results Might Lead to a Hematologist Referral?
Routine blood tests sometimes reveal abnormalities before a person experiences any symptoms.
One of the most common tests is a complete blood count, or CBC. This measures several components of the blood.
Low hemoglobin or red blood cell count
Low hemoglobin may indicate anemia. Possible causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic kidney disease, blood loss, inflammation, or certain bone marrow disorders.
A hematologist can help identify the underlying cause, particularly when anemia persists or does not respond to initial treatment.
High or low white blood cell count
White blood cells help the body fight infections.
Elevated counts may occur with infection, inflammation, certain medications, or other medical conditions. Low counts can have several causes, including medication effects, autoimmune conditions, viral infections, and bone marrow disorders.
The specific white blood cell types involved and the results of previous tests help determine whether additional evaluation is needed.
Abnormal platelet count
Platelets help blood form clots.
Low platelet counts may be associated with easy bruising or bleeding. High platelet counts sometimes occur after inflammation or infection, although other causes are possible.
A hematologist evaluates these results alongside the patient’s symptoms, history, and other blood tests.
An isolated abnormal blood test does not provide enough information to diagnose a blood disorder. Your physician must interpret the finding in its clinical context.
For additional background, read four important reasons to visit a hematologist.
What Happens at Your First Hematologist Appointment?
Your first hematology appointment generally focuses on understanding the reason for your referral and identifying whether further testing is necessary.
The physician may review your blood test results, ask about symptoms, examine your medical history, and discuss medications or previous diagnoses.
Reviewing your medical history
Your hematologist may ask about:
- Previous abnormal blood tests
- Fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Repeated infections
- Family history of blood disorders
- Current prescription medications and supplements
- Recent illnesses or medical procedures
Bring copies of relevant laboratory results and medical records when available.
Additional blood testing
Depending on your initial results, the hematologist may order a repeat CBC, blood smear, iron studies, vitamin levels, clotting tests, or other specialized laboratory testing.
Some patients require no additional procedures. Others may need more detailed investigation.
Discussing the next steps
After reviewing the findings, your specialist may recommend continued observation, treatment, additional tests, or coordination with another physician.
Patients can review Lindenberg’s new patient information before their visit.
Will You Need a Bone Marrow Biopsy?
Not everyone referred to a hematologist needs a bone marrow biopsy.
This procedure examines the tissue responsible for producing blood cells. It may be considered when blood tests suggest certain bone marrow conditions or when the cause of a persistent blood abnormality remains unclear.
Many common conditions, including straightforward iron deficiency anemia, can often be evaluated without a bone marrow biopsy.
If your hematologist recommends one, ask which finding makes it necessary, what the test may reveal, and how the results could affect your treatment plan.
How Serious Is an Abnormal Blood Count?
The significance of an abnormal blood count depends on the severity of the change, whether it is new or persistent, and whether symptoms are present.
For example, a mildly abnormal result discovered during routine testing may lead to repeat blood work. A substantially abnormal result accompanied by serious symptoms may require prompt medical attention.
Your doctor also considers whether several blood cell types are affected at once.
The National Library of Medicine explains that abnormal CBC results can have many causes and do not necessarily indicate a condition requiring treatment.
Learn more about why hematology specialists evaluate blood disorders.
When Should You Be Concerned About a Hematology Referral?
A hematology referral deserves appropriate follow-up, even if you feel well.
Certain symptoms can suggest the need for more urgent assessment, especially when they accompany abnormal blood tests.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience persistent unusual bruising, recurrent fevers, worsening fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes that do not resolve.
Seek emergency medical attention for symptoms such as severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden signs of a stroke.
Your referring physician can advise how quickly you should be evaluated based on your specific test results and medical condition.
For more guidance, see our article on when to see a hematologist and the symptoms to watch for.
What If Your Hematologist Finds a Serious Blood Disorder?
If testing identifies a significant blood condition, your hematologist will explain the diagnosis, discuss its implications, and recommend an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder. Some conditions require monitoring or medication, while others may involve infusions, anticoagulant treatment, or specialized cancer therapies.
For patients diagnosed with blood cancer, a hematologist-oncologist may work with other specialists to coordinate care.
Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center provides oncology consultations and cancer treatment planning as well as infusion therapy services when medically appropriate.
A diagnosis and treatment recommendation should always be based on an individual evaluation rather than an isolated laboratory result.
Hematology Care Near Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, and Medford, NJ
If you have been referred to a hematologist in Burlington County or Camden County, Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center offers specialty care from its office in Marlton.
Our practice serves patients from nearby South Jersey communities, including Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Medford, Moorestown, Berlin, and surrounding areas.
Our Marlton office is located at:
Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center 773 East Route 70, Suite E-125 Marlton, NJ 08053
Patients can discuss abnormal blood test results, hematologic conditions, and the need for further evaluation with our medical team.
To request an appointment, contact Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center or call (856) 890-7200.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hematology Referrals
Is it serious to be referred to a hematologist?
Not necessarily. Many patients are referred for anemia, low iron, abnormal blood counts, or clotting concerns. Some conditions require specialized treatment, while others need monitoring or additional tests. The reason for your referral and your individual findings determine how serious it may be.
Does a hematology referral mean my doctor suspects leukemia?
No. Leukemia is only one of many conditions a hematologist evaluates. Most referral decisions are based on symptoms or abnormal laboratory findings that require further investigation. Your hematologist can explain whether testing for leukemia or another blood disorder is appropriate.
Why am I seeing a hematologist if I feel healthy?
Blood abnormalities can appear before noticeable symptoms develop. Routine laboratory testing may identify anemia, platelet changes, or unusual white blood cell counts. A specialist can determine whether these findings need treatment, monitoring, or no further intervention.
What blood tests will a hematologist order?
Common tests include a complete blood count, blood smear, iron studies, vitamin B12 levels, and clotting tests. Additional testing depends on the suspected condition and your medical history. Not every patient needs every test.
How quickly should I see a hematologist after being referred?
The appropriate timeline depends on your symptoms and test results. Some referrals are routine, while others require prompt attention. Ask your referring physician whether your findings require an urgent appointment.
Can anemia cause a referral to a hematologist?
Yes. Persistent, unexplained, severe, or treatment-resistant anemia may require specialist evaluation. A hematologist can investigate causes such as iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, chronic disease, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders.
Will I need cancer treatment if I see a hematologist?
No. A hematology appointment does not mean cancer treatment will be necessary. Many blood conditions are noncancerous and may be managed with medication, nutritional treatment, monitoring, or other individualized approaches.
Can a hematologist tell if I have cancer from a blood test?
Blood tests sometimes reveal findings that raise suspicion for certain cancers, but they do not reliably diagnose every type of cancer. Additional testing, such as specialized blood studies, imaging, or a biopsy, may be needed depending on the suspected diagnosis.
Schedule a Hematology Consultation in Marlton, NJ
Being referred to a hematologist can raise important questions, especially when you are unsure why your blood test results were abnormal.
A specialist can review your medical history, explain your findings, and determine whether further testing or treatment is needed.
Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center provides hematology and oncology care for patients in Marlton, Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Medford, Moorestown, and surrounding South Jersey communities.
Call (856) 890-7200 to request an appointment.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical evaluation or emergency care.