I've been referred for abnormal blood test results.
What's the next step?
Welcome to Southwest Hematology Oncology, P.C. Our goal is to help you determine if your abnormal blood test results are due to a hematologic or blood-related disorder.
Setting Up Your Appointment
The next step is to make an appointment with us:
- To begin, please confirm that we accept your health insurance.
- If so, please make an appointment with us by calling (602) 494-6800.
- In preparation for your appointment...
- Please collect all films you have and bring them with you for your visit. Films include chest x-rays, CAT scans, bone scans, PET scans, or any other radiology information
- Be sure that all medical records are in our office prior to your appointment.
- Be sure to bring your insurance card.
- Be sure to bring a list of medications you’re taking.
- Be sure to bring a list of physicians you’re seeing.
- If possible, fill out the following paperwork at home by printing each document and then handwriting your information:
Patient Registration Form
This form includes your general information like phone numbers, addresses, and insurance.
- Medvoice Form
This form authorizes us to enroll you in our automated system for retreiving lab results.
- Notice of Privacy Practices
This form explains our policies with regard to your privacy.
- Medical History Form
This form helps us understand your medical history to date.
- Scheduling Form
This form facilitates the scheduling of any additional testing your doctor may request.
- If you prefer to fill out your paperwork at our office, we recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Alternatively, if you fill out the above paperwork in advance, we recommend arriving 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
About Your Visit
When referred for abnormal blood test results, your hematologist will perform various blood tests to make an accurate diagnosis. The most commonly performed test is a complete blood count (CBC), or full blood count (FBC), which includes a white blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin level, and several parameters of the red blood cells.
Blood diseases fall into the following categories:
- Hemoglobinopathies — congenital abnormalities of the hemoglobin molecule or of the rate of hemoglobin synthesis
- Anemias — lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin
- Myeloproliferative Disorders — increased numbers of cells
- Lymphomas — a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system
- Myelomas — tumors involving the "myelo," or blood-producing cells in the bone marrow
- Plasmacytoma — a cancer of plasma cells, similar to myeloma
- Leukemias — malignant conditions affecting the immature blood-forming cells in the bone marrow
- Coagulopathies — disorders of bleeding and coagulation
Once you’ve received an accurate diagnosis, treatment can begin in earnest. Treatment may include dietary changes, oral medications, anticoagulation therapies, intramuscular injections, blood transfusions, venesection, bone marrow transplants, and chemotherapy.
