What does a hematologist actually do?

By Dr. Max Brodsky, MD · Brodsky Hematology · White Marsh, MD · May 2026

You got a referral to a hematologist. Maybe your doctor flagged something on your labs, or maybe you've been dealing with fatigue or unexplained bruising for months and someone finally said, "You should see a specialist." Either way, you probably have questions. Let me answer the big ones.

Hematologists specialize in blood

Hematology is the study of blood and all the organs it flows through.  As a hematologist, I diagnose and manage conditions that affect red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and the proteins that control clotting. You can learn more on our What Is Hematology page.

That covers a lot of territory. Some conditions are chronic but manageable. Some need urgent attention. Most land somewhere in between.

Common reasons patients get referred to a hematologist:

• Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia. This affects around 20 million people in the US, and many go undiagnosed for years.
• Clotting disorders, including DVT (deep vein thrombosis), pulmonary embolism, and inherited conditions that make blood clot too easily or not easily enough.
• Low or high platelet counts. Conditions like ITP (immune thrombocytopenia) affect how the body controls bleeding.
• Abnormal CBC results. A routine complete blood count can show changes in red cells, white cells, or platelets that need a closer look.
• Pre-operative clearance. Surgeons sometimes need a hematologist's sign-off before a procedure when a patient has a bleeding history or abnormal labs.
• Polycythemia vera and other bone marrow conditions that affect how blood cells are produced.

A full list of conditions we treat is on the Care & Services page.

Why see a private hematologist?

Here's the reality: most hospital hematology programs are built around oncology. If you have anemia, a clotting disorder, ITP, or abnormal labs, you can end up waiting months for an appointment because the centers focus primarily on building up a robust infrastructure for cancer care, while neglecting a focus on hematology. 

I built this practice to create a calm, enjoyable experience for patients with hematologic diagnoses.

You get a thorough evaluation from a team of providers who know you and understand your condition. Infusions are done in-office. Follow-up doesn't take weeks to schedule. Parking is free. 

We are here to help you on your health journey. 

What happens at your first appointment?

Your first visit is a consultation. I'll review your labs and medical history, ask about your symptoms and timeline, and may order additional bloodwork depending on what I'm seeing.

You don't need to come in having memorized your lab values or researched every diagnosis on Google. That's my job; you'll leave knowing what's going on and what we're doing about it.

If your condition requires ongoing management or infusions, those are available in-office. You can look at infusion services and care options on the website ahead of time if you want.

What to bring

• Any recent lab work, including the CBC that triggered the referral
• A list of current medications and supplements (iron, blood thinners, and NSAIDs are relevant)
• A list of symptoms and when they started, even ones that seem unrelated
• Your insurance card and a photo ID
• Referral paperwork if your insurance requires it

If you can, have your referring provider fax recent labs to our office beforehand. I like to look at trends in your numbers before we sit down, and it makes the visit go faster.

Bring a family member if you want. A lot of patients find it helpful to have a second set of ears.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a hematologist? Many patients come through a referral, but you don't need one. If you're not sure whether a visit makes sense, just call the office, 410-653-4002.

Does a hematology referral mean I have cancer? No. Most of my patients have benign blood disorders — anemia, clotting issues, abnormal counts. If something concerning does come up, we let you know. But a referral by itself doesn't mean cancer.

How long is the first visit? About 30 to 45 minutes. I go through your history and explain what I'm finding. Show up a few minutes early for paperwork.

Do you take insurance? Most major plans, yes. Call ahead to verify. We also see patients on a cash pay basis.

Telemedicine? For follow-ups and lab reviews. 

What is a CBC? A complete blood count. It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. It's probably the most common blood test your primary care doctor orders, and it's often the thing that triggers a hematology referral in the first place.

More on our FAQ page.

You don't need to figure this out alone

Getting a specialist referral can feel like a lot, especially when you don't have a clear diagnosis yet. Show up, ask your questions, and let us do what we do.

If you have a referral or think you need a blood disorder evaluation, schedule online or call (410) 653-4002.

Providers can refer through our referrals page or fax to (443) 678-5155.

9920 Franklin Square Drive, Suite 220, White Marsh, MD 21236

Phone: 410.653.4002    Fax: 443.678.5155    Email: Office@brodskyhematology.com

Office hours: Mon–Thu 9am–5pm | Fri by appointment

About the author:  Dr. Max Brodsky is a hematologist specializing in benign blood disorders, including anemia, clotting conditions, ITP, and pre-operative hematologic evaluation. He founded Brodsky Hematology to provide direct, accessible specialist care outside of the traditional hospital system. Brodsky Hematology serves adult patients in White Marsh, Maryland.