Hematology and Oncology Resources for Physicians
The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest pediatric cancer and blood disorders programs in the country. We care for children and young adults with a wide range of cancer and blood disorders—from the most common to those rarely seen outside of the top centers.
Common Conditions Treated
- Abnormal bleeding
- Thrombosis (excessive clotting)
- White blood cell problems (neutropenia, leukocytosis)
- Anemia
- Erythrocytosis
- Thrombocytosis (platelet counts >500,000)
- Thalassemia major/Hb H disease
- ITP/low platelets
- Sickle cell disease
- Immunohematology
- Lymphadenopathy
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Solid tumor
- Brain tumor
- Histiocytosis
- Cancer predisposition (genetics/genetic counseling)
- Survivorship (>2 years off therapy)
- Bone marrow transplant
How to Refer a Patient to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
Please reference our referral guidelines below before referring a patient for consultation. To refer a patient to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, use one of the following methods:
- Online referral form: Complete and submit our secure online form.
- Print and fax: Download our form and fax it to 404-785-9111.
- accessCHOA: This free, secure, web-based electronic health record system provides physicians the ability to electronically submit referrals to Children’s specialists.
All referrals are reviewed for clinical appropriateness. If appropriate, they are assigned to a team and scheduled based on the information provided. When referring a patient for any reason, you must include all patient demographics, clinical notes, as well as labs and/or scans that may have been completed. Otherwise, we will not be able to schedule your patient.
Other recommendations to help ensure your referral can be addressed in a timely manner:
- Be specific about what the referral is for and include a possible diagnosis (i.e., anemia, low WBC count).
- If you are referring for an abnormal newborn screen, include a copy of the newborn screen and any other associated workup or treatment notes.
- Provide a phone number and direct extension (if applicable) for the referring provider or someone within the practice who can answer questions about the referral.
Below are guidelines to follow when referring a patient for a consultation with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. These are meant to be general recommendations. If you have specific questions, call 404-785-DOCS (3627) and ask to speak with the on-call hematologist or oncologist.
If you have a question regarding a patient needing urgent care, call 404-785-7778 to connect directly with the Children’s Transfer Center.
If you feel your patient needs to be seen as soon as possible, note “urgent” on your referral. All referrals marked “urgent” are triaged to help make sure patients are seen in a timely fashion. If you wish to speak to the on-call hematologist/oncologist, call 404-785-DOCS (3627).
If you have an urgent referral for one of the below concerns, please call 404-785-7778 to connect with the Children’s Transfer Center directly.
- Significant concern for new oncologic diagnosis
- Severe anemia (hemoglobin <500)
All referrals are reviewed for clinical appropriateness and may be deemed routine given the available resources. There are some conditions that do not need a referral to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Elevated lead levels (see current CDC guidelines)
- Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP), a non-hematologic disorder
- Mild or moderate iron deficiency anemia without a trial of iron (Hgb >8, iron trial x1 month)
- Thrombocytosis with platelet counts
- Any patient currently pregnant
- Any patient 18 and older with a new hematologic diagnosis with no existing relationship with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
- Any patient 21 and older with a new cancer diagnosis with no existing relationship with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center (exceptions made for available clinical trials)
Note: All referrals to the Vascular Anomalies Clinic should be directed to vac@choa.org.
Contact Us 404-785-DOCS (3627)