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The Penn State Health Approach to Hematology

A diagnosis of a blood disorder may result in a referral to a Penn State Health hematologist or advanced practice provider (APP) with hematology and patient care expertise. Our benign hematology team offers highly skilled evaluation, consultation and care for a wide array of noncancerous conditions called benign blood disorders.  A separate team  (hematology/oncology) offers treatment for malignant disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

The benign hematology team at Penn State Health provides expert care for bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, clotting disorders, and non-malignant disorders of blood cells, such as anemia and platelet disorders. 

Our multispecialty hematology teams are leaders in research and clinical care for genetic (inherited) and other blood conditions in children, adolescents and adults. The designated Hemophilia Treatment Center of Central Pennsylvania is part of Penn State Health’s world-class comprehensive hemophilia program. As a leading academic medical center in central Pennsylvania, we offer a level of expertise and care you can’t find anywhere else nearby.

Complete Care for All Types of Non-Malignant Blood Disorders

Benign hematologists at Penn State Health provide sophisticated testing, diagnosis, risk assessment, genetic counseling, and management of non-malignant blood disorders. These include bleeding disorders like hemophilia, clotting disorders, polycythemia (too many red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (too few platelets), anemia and other red cell disorders such as adult and pediatric sickle cell disease.

Benign hematology specialists at Penn State Health also work closely with malignant hematology specialists to treat leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers, including pediatric cancer care.

Whatever the diagnosis, we’ll explain and discuss your care options. Our team will work with you to tailor treatment to your needs, to help prevent problems and keep you well.

We Treat Mild to Complex Blood Conditions

Penn State Health specialists provide care for these and other blood conditions:

• Anemia, ranging from vitamin deficiencies to autoimmune and pregnancy-related conditions
• Bleeding disorders, including:
  • Hemophilia and other genetic conditions, such as von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura, including other idiopathic (unknown cause) or immune-related blood disorders
  • Coagulation factor deficiencies, which are rare bleeding disorders involving a deficiency in any of 13 blood factors that affect clotting
• Clotting disorders, including:
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which are clots that form in the legs, arms and other parts of the body
  • Pulmonary embolism, a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot
  • Factor V Leiden and other disorders that can cause abnormal blood clot formation
• Other genetic and rare blood disorders that require specialized assessment and care such as:
  • Polycythemia vera
  • Antithrombin deficiency
  • Protein deficiencies, including C and S
  • Prothrombin G 20210A mutation
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome

Support Groups and Resources

• Facebook Bleeding Disorders Group - this group is available by invitation. Ask your care team for details about how to participate.
• National Hemophilia Foundation Support Groups: Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter - offers support groups for teens, men and women. Join others for educational and fun events and a chance to interact with others in our community.
• National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF)
• Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA)
• American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN)

Why Choose Penn State Health for Benign Hematology

People choose Penn State Health for advanced, comprehensive care of blood disorders. The following are just a few reasons why patients and families trust us:

Nationally Recognized Care for Blood Disorders, Hemophilia and Related Bleeding Disorders

Get trusted, leading-edge care for a wide range of blood disorders – right here in your community. We offer specialized services and support including advanced blood testing in our Special Hematology Laboratory

• We’re one of about 149 specialized hemophilia treatment centers in the nation and the only center between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
• Our hematologists are recognized among the Best Doctors in America^®.
• We offer specialized services and support, including:
  • Advanced blood testing in our special hematology lab
  • Blood evaluation and medication management from specialists and in our Anticoagulation Clinic
  • We provide a medical home for people with inherited bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. A medical home is a partnership among patients, care providers and families that ensures quality, comprehensive care which is patient-centered and accessible.

Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You

The benign hematologists at Penn State Health are board certified in internal medicine, with additional hematology certification.

• Our dedicated team includes hematologists, advanced practice providers (APPs) nurses, lab technologists, physical therapists and social workers.
• We work closely with specialists in cancer, physical therapy, nutrition, genetic counseling, pain management and other areas.
• Our multispecialty doctors will develop a treatment plan that offers you the best possible results and the personalized care and attention you need.

Benign Hematology Research and Clinical Trials

At Penn State Health, we’re dedicated to improving the care and quality of life of people with blood diseases. We’re exploring ways to enhance care in these and other areas of investigation, including:

• Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease
• Blood clotting disorders - deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Other non-malignant blood disorders

Learn more about our clinical trials at Penn State Health.