Description

Top 10 Hematologists in Los Angeles for Blood Disorders

Finding the right hematologist can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with an unexplained blood test result, persistent anemia, abnormal platelet counts, clotting problems, or a suspected blood disorder. Los Angeles is home to several major academic medical centers, cancer institutes, and specialty practices, giving patients access to physicians with expertise across both common and complex hematologic conditions.
Whether you are searching for a hematologist in Los Angeles, a specialist for anemia, a doctor for platelet disorders, or an expert in leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or bone marrow conditions, choosing the right physician can make an important difference in your care journey.
This guide highlights 10 notable hematologists and hematology-oncology specialists serving Los Angeles and the surrounding region. The list considers clinical specialization, academic experience, hospital affiliation, treatment focus, and the range of blood disorders addressed.
You will also learn what hematologists treat, what to look for when selecting a specialist, questions to ask during your first appointment, and how to find a blood disorder specialist who fits your particular needs.
Important: This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. A physician's inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of treatment outcomes.

 

1. Dr. Caroline Irene Piatek – Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Caroline Irene Piatek is an Associate Professor in the Jane Anne Nohl Division of Hematology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She also serves as the Hematology Fellowship Program Director and Service Chief for Hematology at Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center.
What makes Dr. Piatek particularly relevant for people searching for a hematologist for blood disorders in Los Angeles is her clinical focus on non-malignant hematology. Her areas of interest include immune thrombocytopenia, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cancer-associated thrombosis, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Services Offered
* Evaluation and management of non-cancerous blood disorders
* Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
* Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
* Cancer-associated blood clots
* Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
* Hematology consultation and specialist evaluation
Why Choose Her
Patients looking for a specialist beyond traditional cancer care may find her non-malignant hematology focus particularly relevant. Her academic and teaching responsibilities also place her within one of Los Angeles' major medical education environments.
Location
Keck School of Medicine of USC / Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Website
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Contact Details
Keck School of Medicine of USC
1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Phone: (323) 442-1900
Serving Areas
* Downtown Los Angeles
* Boyle Heights
* East Los Angeles
* Central Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

2. Dr. Christopher S. Seet – UCLA Health

Overview
Christopher S. Seet is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist at UCLA Health. His clinical work focuses on hematologic malignancies, making him an option for patients who need specialized care for serious blood and bone marrow diseases.
His areas of expertise include acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasms, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cellular therapies, and clinical trials involving newer treatments.
Services Offered
* Hematologic malignancy evaluation
* Leukemia care
* Myelodysplastic syndrome management
* Myeloproliferative neoplasm care
* Stem cell transplantation
* Cellular therapies
* Clinical trial access and evaluation
Why Choose Him
Patients with complex or aggressive hematologic conditions may benefit from a specialist working within a major academic cancer center. His involvement in laboratory and translational research also connects clinical treatment with ongoing advances in hematology.
Location
Bowyer Oncology Center
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
UCLA Health
Contact Details
Phone: 310-206-6909
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Brentwood
* Beverly Hills
* Santa Monica
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

3. Dr. Sarah M. Larson – UCLA Health

Overview
Sarah M. Larson is a hematology and medical oncology specialist at UCLA Health with a clinical focus on hematologic malignancies.
Her UCLA profile lists board certification in hematology and medical oncology and fellowship training in hematology and oncology. She sees patients at the Bowyer Oncology Center in Los Angeles.
Services Offered
* Hematologic malignancy evaluation
* Hematology consultation
* Medical oncology
* Blood cancer management
* Treatment planning
* Specialist second opinions
Why Choose Her
UCLA's multidisciplinary environment can be useful for patients whose blood disorders require coordination among hematologists, oncologists, laboratory specialists, radiologists, and other medical professionals.
Location
Bowyer Oncology Center
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
UCLA Health – Dr. Sarah Larson
Contact Details
Phone: 310-206-6909
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* Beverly Hills
* West Los Angeles
* Nearby Southern California communities
 

4. Dr. Justin M. Darrah – Cedars-Sinai

Overview
Justin M. Darrah practices hematology and oncology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. His profile highlights experience involving hematologic malignancies, including lymphoma, transplantation-related care, and cellular therapies.
His Cedars-Sinai profile also shows extensive research activity in hematologic malignancies and transplantation.
Services Offered
* Hematology consultations
* Blood cancer evaluation
* Lymphoma care
* Cellular therapy
* Transplant-related hematology
* Complex hematologic disease management
Why Choose Him
Cedars-Sinai offers a large multidisciplinary environment with specialized cancer and blood disorder services. This can be especially valuable when diagnosis or treatment requires multiple specialists.
Location
Cedars-Sinai
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Cedars-Sinai
Serving Areas
* Beverly Grove
* West Hollywood
* Beverly Hills
* Mid-City Los Angeles
* West Los Angeles
* Greater Los Angeles
 

5. Dr. Akil A. Merchant – Cedars-Sinai

Overview
Akil A. Merchant is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and works in hematology and cellular therapy. His profile identifies him as Director of the Imaging Mass Cytometry Shared Resource and Co-Director of the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program, while also noting his role as Co-Director of the Lymphoma Program.
Services Offered
* Hematology evaluation
* Lymphoma care
* Hematology and cellular therapy
* Cancer-related blood disorder management
* Specialist consultation
* Multidisciplinary cancer care
Why Choose Him
His combination of clinical, academic, research, and program leadership experience makes him a notable option for patients looking for specialized hematology and lymphoma care in Los Angeles.
Location
Cedars-Sinai Blood & Marrow Transplant
Samuel Oschin Cancer Center
127 S San Vicente Blvd., Pavilion, 7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Cedars-Sinai – Dr. Akil Merchant
Contact Details
Phone: 310-423-1160
Serving Areas
* Los Angeles
* Beverly Hills
* West Hollywood
* Culver City
* Santa Monica
* Greater Los Angeles
 

6. Dr. David R. Oveisi – Cedars-Sinai

Overview
David R. Oveisi is an internal medicine hematology-oncology physician at Cedars-Sinai. His clinical profile includes hematology and cellular therapy, and he is currently listed as accepting new patients.
His primary Los Angeles location is at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center.
Services Offered
* Hematology evaluation
* Oncology consultation
* Hematology and cellular therapy
* Blood disorder assessment
* Cancer-related hematologic care
* Specialist follow-up
Why Choose Him
Patients who want access to hematology services within a major Los Angeles medical center may consider Dr. Oveisi, particularly when their care involves hematology and cellular therapy.
Location
Samuel Oschin Cancer Center
127 S San Vicente Blvd., Pavilion, 7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website
Cedars-Sinai – Dr. David Oveisi
Contact Details
Phone: 310-423-1825
Serving Areas
* Central Los Angeles
* Beverly Hills
* West Hollywood
* Mid-Wilshire
* West Los Angeles
* Surrounding Los Angeles communities
 

7. Dr. Aaron D. Burkenroad – UCLA Health

Overview
Aaron D. Burkenroad is a medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. UCLA describes him as providing care for patients with all types of cancer and blood disorders in Downtown LA.
He completed his internal medicine residency and hematology/medical oncology fellowship at UCLA and is board certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.
Services Offered
* Blood disorder evaluation
* Hematology consultations
* Medical oncology
* Cancer-related hematology
* Treatment planning
* Second opinions
Why Choose Him
For patients specifically searching for a hematologist near Downtown Los Angeles, location can be a major advantage. His UCLA training and board certifications provide another factor to consider when evaluating specialist options.
Location
Downtown LA Cancer Care
700 West 7th Street, Suite S270
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Website
UCLA Health – Dr. Aaron Burkenroad
Contact Details
Phone: 213-988-8340
Serving Areas
* Downtown Los Angeles
* South Los Angeles
* West Los Angeles
* Santa Monica
* Koreatown
* Surrounding LA communities
 

8. Dr. Arash Naeim – UCLA Health

Overview
Arash Naeim is a hematology-oncology physician at UCLA's Bowyer Oncology Center. His training includes a hematology fellowship at UCLA, and his clinical practice is based in Los Angeles.
Services Offered
* Hematology-oncology consultations
* Blood disorder evaluation
* Cancer care
* Treatment planning
* Follow-up care
* Specialist consultations
Why Choose Him
Patients looking for a hematologist-oncologist affiliated with UCLA may consider Dr. Naeim as part of their search. His UCLA training and practice within the Bowyer Oncology Center provide access to a large academic medical environment.
Location
Bowyer Oncology Center
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
UCLA Health – Dr. Arash Naeim
Contact Details
Phone: 310-206-6909
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* UCLA area
* Beverly Hills
* Brentwood
* Santa Monica
* Greater Los Angeles
 

9. Dr. Wanxing Chai-Ho – UCLA Health

Overview
Wanxing Chai-Ho is a hematologist-oncologist who practices in Westwood and Encino. UCLA describes her as using a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat blood disorders along with other cancers.
Her training includes internal medicine residency followed by hematology/oncology training at UCLA.
Services Offered
* Blood disorder diagnosis
* Hematology consultations
* Hematology-oncology treatment
* Multidisciplinary cancer care
* Treatment planning
* Ongoing monitoring
Why Choose Her
Her practice across Westwood and Encino may be convenient for patients living on the west side or in the San Fernando Valley. The multidisciplinary approach can also be useful when a patient's condition involves both hematologic and oncology concerns.
Location
Bowyer Oncology Center
200 Medical Plaza, Suite 120
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Additional UCLA locations are available.
Website
UCLA Health – Dr. Wanxing Chai-Ho
Contact Details
Phone: 310-206-6909
Serving Areas
* Westwood
* Encino
* Sherman Oaks
* San Fernando Valley
* Beverly Hills
* West Los Angeles
 

10. Dr. Nitya Nathwani – City of Hope

Overview
Nitya Nathwani is a board-certified hematologist and Associate Professor in the Division of Myeloma at City of Hope in Duarte, serving the Los Angeles area.
His clinical expertise focuses on multiple myeloma. City of Hope also identifies him as medical director of hematologic malignancies, transplantation and cellular therapy for AccessHope.
Services Offered
* Multiple myeloma evaluation
* Hematologic malignancy care
* Blood cancer treatment
* Transplantation-related care
* Cellular therapy
* Specialist consultations
Why Choose Him
For patients specifically seeking a multiple myeloma specialist in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Nathwani's focused expertise makes him a strong option to investigate. City of Hope has a dedicated Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and treats complex blood and bone marrow diseases.
Location
City of Hope National Medical Center
Duarte, California
Website
City of Hope – Dr. Nitya Nathwani
Contact Details
Phone: 877-460-4673
Serving Areas
* Duarte
* Pasadena
* Arcadia
* Monrovia
* San Gabriel Valley
* Greater Los Angeles
 

What Does a Hematologist Treat?

A hematologist is a physician specializing in disorders involving blood, bone marrow, blood-forming tissues, and related systems.
Not every hematology appointment is about cancer. Many people are referred to a hematologist because of an abnormal blood test or a persistent condition that requires specialized evaluation.
Common conditions may include:
* Iron-deficiency or unexplained anemia
* Vitamin-related anemia
* Abnormal white blood cell counts
* Low or high platelet counts
* Immune thrombocytopenia
* Abnormal blood clotting
* Deep vein thrombosis and other thrombotic conditions
* Bleeding disorders
* Hemophilia and related disorders
* Myelodysplastic syndromes
* Myeloproliferative neoplasms
* Leukemia
* Lymphoma
* Multiple myeloma
* Bone marrow disorders
The appropriate specialist depends heavily on the diagnosis. A person with mild iron-deficiency anemia may require a very different type of hematology evaluation from someone being treated for leukemia or multiple myeloma.
 

When Should You See a Hematologist in Los Angeles?

A primary care physician may refer you to a hematologist when routine blood tests show unexplained or persistent abnormalities.
You may be referred when:
* Your anemia does not improve with initial treatment.
* Your platelet count is repeatedly too low or too high.
* You have unexplained bruising or bleeding.
* You have an abnormal white blood cell count.
* You have experienced unexplained blood clots.
* A blood test suggests a possible bone marrow disorder.
* You need specialist management of a known blood disorder.
* Your doctor suspects leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, or another hematologic malignancy.
* You need a second opinion regarding a blood disorder diagnosis.
A hematologist may order blood tests, peripheral blood examinations, imaging, bone marrow testing, genetic or molecular tests, or other investigations depending on the suspected condition.
 

How to Choose the Best Hematologist in Los Angeles
Searching for the "best hematologist near me" can produce dozens of results. Instead of choosing solely based on online ratings, consider whether the physician's expertise matches your condition.
1. Check the Doctor's Specialty
Hematology is a broad field. Some doctors concentrate on non-malignant disorders such as anemia, thrombosis, autoimmune blood diseases, and platelet disorders. Others specialize in leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, transplantation, or cellular therapy.
Your first priority should be finding a specialist whose clinical focus fits your medical needs.
2. Look at Board Certification
Board certification in hematology and/or medical oncology can help confirm that a physician has completed recognized specialty training. Verify the physician's current credentials through appropriate professional or medical-board resources.
3. Consider Hospital Affiliations
For complicated blood disorders, access to a multidisciplinary medical center can be important. Academic institutions such as UCLA, USC, Cedars-Sinai, and City of Hope provide broad specialist networks and advanced diagnostic and treatment services.
4. Check Insurance and Costs
Before scheduling, confirm whether the doctor accepts your insurance and whether your plan requires a referral or authorization.
Ask about:
* Consultation fees
* Laboratory charges
* Imaging costs
* Treatment costs
* Insurance authorization
* Copayments and deductibles
Insurance information can change, so confirm directly with both your insurer and physician's office.
5. Consider Location
Los Angeles traffic can make regular appointments challenging. If your treatment requires frequent visits, choose a location that is practical for you.
Westwood, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Duarte, Santa Monica, Encino, and other areas have established hematology and oncology services.
6. Ask About Communication
A good specialist should be willing to explain your diagnosis, treatment choices, expected monitoring, and next steps in language you understand.
For complex conditions, consider whether the office provides access to nurses, patient navigators, genetic counselors, social workers, or other support professionals.
 

Benefits of Choosing a Specialized Hematologist
Working with an experienced hematologist can provide several potential advantages, particularly when a blood disorder is complex or difficult to diagnose.
Specialized Diagnosis
Blood abnormalities can have many causes. A hematologist has specialized training to investigate patterns in blood counts, clotting tests, blood cells, bone marrow, and related laboratory findings.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Treatment depends on the specific disorder, severity, age, medical history, medications, and other factors. A specialist can develop a plan based on the patient's individual diagnosis.
Access to Advanced Care
Major Los Angeles medical centers may provide access to specialized laboratories, advanced imaging, transplantation programs, cellular therapies, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary teams.
Second Opinions
If you have received a complicated or unexpected diagnosis, consulting another hematologist can provide additional perspective before making major treatment decisions.
Long-Term Monitoring
Many blood disorders require ongoing monitoring rather than a single treatment. A hematologist can track blood counts and other markers over time and modify treatment when necessary.
 

Questions to Ask Your Hematologist
Preparing questions before your appointment can make the consultation more productive.
Consider asking:
* What is causing my abnormal blood test?
* What additional tests do I need?
* Do I need a bone marrow biopsy?
* Is my condition temporary or chronic?
* What treatment options are available?
* What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
* How frequently will I need follow-up appointments?
* Should I see another specialist?
* Are there clinical trials appropriate for my condition?
* What symptoms should prompt me to seek urgent medical attention?
Bring a list of medications, previous blood-test results, relevant medical records, and information about family history when appropriate.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Hematologists in Los Angeles
1. What is a hematologist?
A hematologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders affecting blood, blood cells, bone marrow, and related systems. Some hematologists also specialize in hematologic cancers and are known as hematologist-oncologists.
2. What blood disorders do hematologists treat?
Hematologists may treat anemia, platelet disorders, clotting and bleeding disorders, abnormal blood counts, bone marrow disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other hematologic conditions.
3. Should I see a hematologist for anemia?
It depends on the cause and severity of the anemia. Many common cases can initially be evaluated by a primary care physician. Persistent, unexplained, severe, recurrent, or complicated anemia may require hematology evaluation.
4. Do hematologists treat blood clots?
Yes. Hematologists can evaluate certain clotting and bleeding disorders and may be involved in managing recurrent or unexplained blood clots, particularly when an underlying blood-related cause is suspected.
5. Do hematologists treat cancer?
Some hematologists specialize in non-cancerous blood disorders, while hematologist-oncologists treat blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
6. How do I choose a hematologist in Los Angeles?
Start by identifying the type of blood disorder you need help with. Then compare the physician's specialty, board certification, hospital affiliation, availability, location, insurance acceptance, and experience with your specific condition.
7. What happens during a first hematology appointment?
The doctor will usually review your symptoms, medical history, medications, previous laboratory results, and family history. Depending on your situation, additional blood tests or other diagnostic investigations may be recommended.
8. Is a hematologist the same as an oncologist?
Not exactly. Hematology focuses on blood and blood-forming tissues, while oncology focuses on cancer. Many physicians train in both specialties and practice as hematologist-oncologists.
9. Can I get a second opinion from a hematologist?
Yes. A second opinion can be particularly useful when the diagnosis is complex, treatment options are uncertain, or you are considering a major intervention such as chemotherapy, transplantation, or cellular therapy.
 

Final Thoughts
Choosing a hematologist is an important decision, but the "best" physician is not necessarily the one with the highest online rating. The right specialist should have experience relevant to your particular condition, appropriate credentials, convenient access, and a treatment environment that fits your needs.
Los Angeles offers an unusually broad range of hematology services through major academic and specialty institutions. UCLA Health provides comprehensive hematology and oncology services, Cedars-Sinai has dedicated hematology and cellular therapy programs, USC offers specialized expertise including non-malignant hematology, and City of Hope is particularly well known for complex blood cancers, transplantation, and cellular therapies.
If you are searching online for a hematologist in Los Angeles, start by identifying the type of blood disorder you need evaluated. Then compare specialist expertise, location, insurance, appointment availability, and the medical resources available through the affiliated hospital or cancer center.
Most importantly, do not delay appropriate medical evaluation because of uncertainty about which specialist to choose. Your primary care physician can often help determine whether hematology referral is appropriate and can provide relevant records for your first appointment.

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