Your guide to finding the right hematologist oncologist for your needs 

Identifying and connecting with the right doctor for your condition can be a challenge. But it can be especially difficult when you need a specialist for a rare, serious, or complex disease.          

Most U.S.-based doctors are board-certified in a particular area of medicine. For example, primary care physicians, who provide routine care and check-ups, are usually board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine.  

Specialists, on the contrary, are doctors who have additional training and have passed a competency test in their specific field. While all specialists are typically board-certified in their respective specialties, not all board-certified physicians are specialists.   

Physicians with additional training in diagnosing and treating cancer are called oncologists. Hematologists are experts in hematology, which is the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. A hematologist oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the blood. 

Forging a clear path to the right care specialists  

If you’re looking for leading hematologists oncologists near Chicago, MediFind can help you get connected to the right provider, faster. By gathering doctor and condition information from a multitude of medical datasets, MediFind can pinpoint experts across numerous specialty fields to streamline your provider search.  

  

More than 3.5 million providers from across the globe are on MediFind’s platform, which is constantly being updated with the newest search results. By identifying experts based on how they embrace the latest advancements and treatment options in the field, MediFind helps you locate expertise care when you need it.   

Whether you’re searching for a specialist after a new diagnosis or looking for a second opinion, MediFind makes it easy to find an experienced provider and schedule an appointment.  

How to prepare for your first specialist appointment  

It’s normal to feel anxious or stressed before seeing a hematologist oncologist. One thing that might help ease your nerves is making sure you're aware of what to expect.  

Here are some questions to consider asking when setting up your first appointment:   

• Is my health insurance plan covered?  
• What should I anticipate during this appointment?  
• How much time should I plan for the appointment?  
• Is there anything I need to bring?   
• Can one of my loved ones come with me?   
• What else do I need to do to be ready for the appointment?  

When meeting with a provider for the first time, they’ll have questions about many parts of your life. They will ask you about your medical history, family history, general health, and any medications that you’re on. They also might do a physical exam or order additional scans and labs, so make sure you’re prepared for that, too.  

After the initial assessment, the specialist will discuss the type of health condition you have and walk you through available options for treatment. Advocating for your personal needs and goals is key. This is especially important because you'll work with the oncologist or hematologist on a treatment plan that fits your preferences.  

You’ll get to talk through any of your questions or concerns with your doctor. You might find it helpful to write a list of your considerations beforehand. That way, you don’t forget anything. You’ll have to process a lot of information quickly, so try to take notes during your discussion or ask to record the conversation.   

Don’t forget that you can always seek a second opinion or find a new provider if you’re feeling disrespected, uncomfortable, or unsure after your appointment. You deserve the best care, so feel free to revisit MediFind’s list of hematologist oncologists in Chicago as often as you need to.