Classical Hematology Second Opinions
The Cincinnati Children’s Classical Hematology program offers second opinions for any pediatric hematology condition for infants, adolescents and young adults.
What Is the Benefit of a Second Opinion From Cincinnati Children’s?
Second opinions can help you better understand your child’s diagnosis and all available treatment options. This information can help you make an informed choice about what therapy or course of treatment is right for your child.
There are many reasons you may seek a second opinion for your child’s pediatric blood disorder. These include validating treatment plans from a previous specialist or finding new care options for conditions that haven’t responded to treatment.
As a large research hospital and referral center, Cincinnati Children’s offers leading-edge treatment for even the rarest pediatric hematology conditions. From finding a therapy that works better for your child to treatment plans that improve their quality of life, our team is dedicated to finding the best care options for your loved one.
How Do I Get a Classical Hematology Second Opinion?
- Ask your doctor for a referral. Your specialist or primary care doctor can reach out to Cincinnati Children’s to start the second opinion process through our Referral Center.
- Call our team to schedule directly. The triage nurse will forward you to a referral coordinator. If you call after hours, the referral coordinator will call you back as soon as possible during regular business hours.
What Can I Expect During the Second Opinion Process?
At Cincinnati Children’s, we prepare for your second opinion visit before you arrive. Our specially trained care managers will reach out to you or your doctor for basic information about the diagnosis, workup and treatment to date. Then, we’ll request your medical records from you and your physician. This includes scans, pathology, blood test results and details about previous treatments.
After we review your information and records, we will schedule a time for you to meet with our team. If we know other scans or tests will be needed, we will work with you to schedule them before or during your second opinion appointment to avoid additional trips.
During your visit, our team will go over your diagnosis, treatment and any new test results. We’ll answer any questions you have. Then, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. We’ll also give you information about where this treatment is available, whether it’s at Cincinnati Children’s or another hospital in your community. If you live far from Cincinnati Children’s, we can coordinate care with your local physician to limit trips to Cincinnati.
If you choose to have treatment at Cincinnati Children’s, our care managers and social workers can help you find local resources, financial assistance and places to stay.
Do I Need to Bring Anything with Me?
Our team will make sure we have all of your records and test results from your physician before you arrive. Please bring any medical records or test results you have on hand. Also bring your current medications, insurance card(s), custody paperwork and power of attorney documents, if you have them.
