Top 25 Hematologists/Oncologists Across the US
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What is a Hematologist-Oncologist?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A hematologist-oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, as well as non-cancerous blood disorders. These specialists combine expertise in hematology (the study of blood diseases) and oncology (the study of cancer) to provide comprehensive care for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other hematologic malignancies. They administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and coordinate bone marrow transplants while managing treatment side effects and providing supportive care.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a hematologist-oncologist requires extensive education and training:
- 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree
- 3 years of internal medicine residency with broad training in adult medicine
- 3 years of hematology-oncology fellowship with specialized training in blood cancers and disorders
- Total of 14+ years of education and training beyond high school
- Optional additional fellowship in bone marrow transplantation or specific cancer subspecialties
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) with subspecialty certification in Hematology and Medical Oncology. Certification requires passing rigorous examinations after completing an accredited fellowship. Many hematologist-oncologists hold dual certification in both hematology and medical oncology.
When Should You See a Hematologist-Oncologist?
You should consider seeing a hematologist-oncologist if:
- You have been diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma
- You have abnormal blood test results suggesting a blood disorder or malignancy
- You have unexplained anemia, bleeding problems, or abnormal blood clotting
- You need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other cancer treatments
- You are being evaluated for or undergoing a bone marrow or stem cell transplant
- You have a family history of blood cancers and need genetic counseling
- You have been referred for evaluation of enlarged lymph nodes or spleen
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Hematologist-Oncologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that hematologist-oncologists help patients manage.
Leukemia
Cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow, that leads to overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Types include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists diagnose leukemia through blood tests and bone marrow biopsy, then develop personalized treatment plans using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplantation based on the specific leukemia type and patient factors.
Lymphoma
Cancer of the lymphatic system affecting lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with many subtypes requiring different treatment approaches.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists perform lymph node biopsies, staging studies, and develop treatment plans that may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or CAR-T cell therapy depending on lymphoma type and stage.
Multiple Myeloma
A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that produces abnormal antibodies and causes bone damage, kidney problems, and immune dysfunction.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists manage myeloma with combinations of targeted drugs, immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and autologous stem cell transplant when appropriate, while monitoring disease markers and preventing complications.
Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
Conditions where the bone marrow fails to produce adequate blood cells, including aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and inherited bone marrow failure disorders.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists diagnose these conditions through bone marrow biopsy and genetic testing, then treat with immunosuppressive therapy, growth factors, hypomethylating agents, or allogeneic stem cell transplantation as indicated.
Blood Clotting Disorders (Thrombophilia)
Conditions that increase the risk of blood clots, including inherited disorders like Factor V Leiden and acquired conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists evaluate clotting risk through specialized coagulation testing, determine underlying causes, and manage patients with anticoagulation therapy while providing guidance on prevention strategies and duration of treatment.
Bleeding Disorders
Conditions that impair the body's ability to form blood clots, including hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and platelet function disorders.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists diagnose bleeding disorders through specialized coagulation studies, provide clotting factor replacement therapy, coordinate surgical planning, and offer genetic counseling and family screening.
Anemia
A condition of low red blood cells or hemoglobin, with many causes including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, chronic disease, hemolysis, and bone marrow disorders.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists evaluate complex or refractory anemias, identify underlying causes including blood cancers, and manage treatment with iron supplementation, vitamin therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or blood transfusions as needed.
Stem Cell Transplantation
A procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, used to treat blood cancers and severe bone marrow disorders. Includes autologous (using patient's own cells) and allogeneic (using donor cells) transplants.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Hematologist-oncologists evaluate transplant candidacy, coordinate donor searches, manage conditioning chemotherapy, oversee the transplant process, and provide long-term follow-up care including management of graft-versus-host disease and immune reconstitution.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Hematologist-Oncologists treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified hematologist-oncologist for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a hematologist-oncologist.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive review of medical history, symptoms, and family cancer history
- Detailed physical examination including lymph node, liver, and spleen assessment
- Review of all previous blood work, pathology reports, and imaging studies
- Discussion of initial diagnostic impressions and additional testing needs
- Explanation of potential diagnoses and treatment approaches
- Coordination with other specialists and scheduling of procedures
- Initial visits typically last 45-90 minutes due to complexity of cases
Diagnosis & Testing
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential to evaluate all blood cell types
- Peripheral blood smear examination for abnormal cells
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for detailed marrow evaluation
- Flow cytometry and immunophenotyping to identify cancer cell types
- Cytogenetic testing and molecular studies (FISH, PCR) for genetic changes
- CT, PET, or PET-CT scans for staging and disease extent assessment
- Lumbar puncture when central nervous system involvement is suspected
Treatment Options
- Chemotherapy: IV or oral medications that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells
- Targeted therapy: drugs designed to attack specific cancer cell vulnerabilities
- Immunotherapy: treatments that help the immune system fight cancer (checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells)
- Bone marrow/stem cell transplantation for eligible patients
- Radiation therapy coordination with radiation oncologists when indicated
- Supportive care including blood transfusions, growth factors, and infection prevention
- Regular monitoring with blood tests, imaging, and bone marrow evaluations
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your hematologist-oncologist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Hematologist-Oncologist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a hematologist-oncologist.
Credentials to Verify
- Board certification in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology by ABIM
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited hematology-oncology fellowship
- Active, unrestricted medical license in your state
- Additional certification in bone marrow transplantation if transplant is anticipated
- Affiliation with a comprehensive cancer center or academic medical center
- Participation in clinical trials and research (indicates access to latest treatments)
Important Considerations
- Experience treating your specific type of blood cancer or disorder
- Access to multidisciplinary tumor boards for complex cases
- Availability of clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments
- Proximity to infusion centers and support services
- Quality of nursing staff and patient navigation services
- Hospital quality metrics and outcomes data for specific conditions
- Communication style and approach to shared decision-making
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple hematologist-oncologists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a hematologist-oncologist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$250-$500 (complex new patient consultation)
Follow-up Visit
$150-$300
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance covers cancer treatment as medically necessary
- Pre-authorization is typically required for chemotherapy and expensive treatments
- Specialty pharmacy benefits often apply to oral cancer medications
- Out-of-pocket maximums provide some financial protection for costly treatments
- Many drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs for expensive medications
- Hospital financial counselors can help navigate coverage and assistance options
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers cancer treatment including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and physician services at 80% after the deductible. Part D covers oral cancer medications. Many beneficiaries have supplemental coverage. Medicare covers stem cell transplants at approved facilities. The Inflation Reduction Act caps Part D out-of-pocket costs.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your hematologist-oncologist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Hematologist-Oncologist
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a hematologist-oncologist.
What type of blood cancer or disorder do I have, and what is the stage or risk category?
What treatment options are available, and which do you recommend for my situation?
What are the goals of treatment - cure, long-term control, or symptom management?
What are the potential side effects, and how will they be managed?
Are there clinical trials that might be appropriate for me?
Will I need a bone marrow transplant, and if so, when?
How often will I need treatment, and how long will it last?
What genetic or molecular testing should be done on my cancer?
How will we know if the treatment is working?
What support services are available (social work, nutrition, psychological support)?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Know when symptoms require immediate attention versus a scheduled appointment.
While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with a hematologist-oncologist, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) during chemotherapy - may indicate life-threatening infection requiring immediate antibiotics
- Severe bleeding that won't stop or signs of internal bleeding (blood in vomit, black stools)
- Sudden severe shortness of breath or chest pain - may indicate pulmonary embolism or cardiac emergency
- Confusion, severe headache, or neurological changes - may indicate bleeding, infection, or cancer in the brain
- Signs of tumor lysis syndrome: decreased urination, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat after starting treatment
- Severe allergic reaction during infusion: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling, drop in blood pressure
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or nearest ER
URGENT
Doctor or urgent care
NON-URGENT
Regular appointment
Hematologist-Oncologist vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Hematologist-Oncologist vs. Medical Oncologist
A medical oncologist treats solid tumors (breast, lung, colon cancer, etc.) while a hematologist-oncologist specializes in blood cancers and blood disorders. Many oncologists have training in both, but hematologist-oncologists have deeper expertise in leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and benign blood conditions. For blood cancers, a hematologist-oncologist is typically the most appropriate specialist.
Hematologist-Oncologist vs. Radiation Oncologist
A radiation oncologist uses radiation therapy to treat cancer, while a hematologist-oncologist uses systemic treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy). For blood cancers like lymphoma, both specialists often work together - the hematologist-oncologist manages systemic treatment while the radiation oncologist provides localized radiation when needed.
Hematologist-Oncologist vs. Hematologist (Non-Oncology)
Some hematologists focus exclusively on benign (non-cancerous) blood disorders like anemia, clotting problems, and hemophilia without oncology training. A hematologist-oncologist has additional training in cancer treatment and manages both malignant and benign blood conditions. For blood cancers, you need a hematologist-oncologist specifically.
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about hematologist-oncologists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hematologists/oncologists
What is the difference between a hematologist and an oncologist?
A hematologist specializes in blood disorders including non-cancerous conditions like anemia and clotting problems. An oncologist specializes in cancer treatment. A hematologist-oncologist has combined training in both fields and typically focuses on blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma) while also treating benign blood disorders. This dual expertise is essential because blood cancers require understanding of both hematology and cancer medicine.
How effective are modern blood cancer treatments?
Survival rates for blood cancers have improved dramatically. Many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured, with 5-year survival exceeding 87%. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), once fatal, now has survival rates similar to the general population with targeted therapy. Even aggressive cancers like acute leukemia have much better outcomes with modern chemotherapy and transplantation. Treatment success depends on the specific cancer type, stage, genetics, and patient factors.
What is CAR-T cell therapy and who is eligible?
CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy is a revolutionary treatment where a patient's own immune cells are modified in a laboratory to recognize and attack cancer cells, then infused back into the patient. It's currently approved for certain types of lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma that haven't responded to other treatments. Eligibility depends on cancer type, previous treatments, and overall health. Not everyone is a candidate, and it requires treatment at specialized centers.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy side effects vary by drug regimen but commonly include fatigue, nausea (now well-controlled with modern anti-nausea medications), hair loss, low blood counts increasing infection and bleeding risk, and mouth sores. Your hematologist-oncologist will discuss specific side effects for your regimen and provide supportive medications. Many side effects are temporary and resolve after treatment ends. Not all cancer treatments cause the same side effects - targeted therapies often have different profiles.
When is a bone marrow transplant necessary?
Bone marrow transplantation may be recommended for high-risk or relapsed blood cancers including acute leukemia, aggressive lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. It may also treat severe aplastic anemia and certain inherited blood disorders. The decision depends on cancer type, risk factors, response to initial treatment, and patient fitness. Autologous transplant (using your own cells) and allogeneic transplant (using donor cells) have different indications and risks. Your hematologist-oncologist will discuss whether transplant is appropriate for your situation.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards