In order to ensure a thorough diagnosis and beneficial blood center appointment, physicians prefer to review medical records before the appointment. Patients should request their medical records from non-Penn physicians be sent to the Penn–CHOP Blood Center in advance of their appointments.
Penn–CHOP Blood Center physicians have access to records from doctors within Penn.
The following is a list of records needed to ensure a complete and thorough consultation with a Penn hematologist:
- Results of recent laboratory and blood tests, pathology and radiology reports: These reports can be requested from hospital and physician's office.
- Recent notes from other physicians: In particular, notes from other hematologists that patients have seen and from the referring physician.
- Charts from any recent hospitalization: Medical records from any inpatient hospitalization.
Insurances Accepted
Prior to an appointment, patients should check with their insurance provider to make sure their insurance coverage is part of an accepted health plan at Penn Medicine. In addition, some insurers require a referral from the primary care provider for visits with specialists.
Learn more information about how to prepare for an appointment at Penn.
What to Expect at an Appointment
Patients are seen by a hematologist, a physician specializing in diseases of the blood, and may also see one of the following clinicians:
- Medical assistant: A medical assistant shows patients to an exam room, takes vital signs and assists with the completion of paper work. If blood work is needed, the medical assistant may draw blood.
- Registered nurse: A registered nurse may take vital signs and ask questions about medical history, medications and allergies, and how patients are feeling.
- Hematology fellow: A fellow is a physician currently undergoing specialized training in the field of hematology.
Because Penn specialists want to be thorough, a new patient visit may include lab work and additional tests. Patients should allow up to 90 minutes for their first visit and arrive 30 minutes prior to their appointment time.
