FIND A HEMATOLOGIST

How to Find a Hematologist That Is Right for You

Finding the right doctor is never easy, especially for people who have been diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Your general practitioner may have never seen a case of MF, ET, or PV. And, your local hematologist may have limited firsthand experience with MPNs.

However, as an MPN patient, it’s critical to find a healthcare practitioner who understands your disease. At some point, you will need to be seen by a physician who specializes in myeloproliferative blood disorders.

To locate a hematologist that specializes in MPNs:

While it’s important to find a hematologist that understands the various approaches to managing an MPN, you should also relate to your physician on a personal level. If you feel like you need a second opinion, you should not hesitate to seek one.

Questions to Ask Your Hematologist 

After you have identified a hematologist that may be right for you, the next step is to ask the right questions. A brief selection of questions you should ask your hematologist include:

  • What is my exact diagnosis?
  • Did I test positive for any mutations? What kind of genetic testing can you offer me?
  • What is my plan for managing this in the short and long term?
  • What kinds of clinical trials, if any, am I qualified for?
  • How many MPN patients do you treat now?
  • What kind of lifestyle changes should I make to deal with symptoms?
  • What treatments am I a good candidate for, and why?
  • What are the side effects of my treatment options?
  • If you are of childbearing age, how should I manage my family planning? Should I be using birth control? Should I stop using birth control?
  • What should I tell my immediate family about how this will affect my life and theirs?

Suggest any additional questions that you’ve found helpful to ask your hematologist here.

Recently diagnosed with an MPN disease? Get helpful resources.

Take the steps you need to help change your prognosis.