How do I find a Leukemia specialist or center of excellence

Finding a Leukemia Specialist or Center of Excellence

This is an excellent question—seeking specialized care is one of the most important decisions you can make in your leukemia treatment journey.

Why Specialist Care Matters

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients, leukemia should be treated at centers experienced in this type of cancer. Specialists have:

• Deep expertise in leukemia subtypes and their unique treatment approaches
• Access to the latest clinical trials and treatment options
• Experience managing complex side effects and complications
• Multidisciplinary teams (multiple specialists working together)

How to Find an NCCN Cancer Center

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) maintains a network of leading cancer centers across the United States that specialize in leukemia care.

Visit: NCCN.org/cancercenters

This searchable database lets you:

• Find centers near you by location
• See which centers specialize in your specific leukemia type (AML, CML, ALL, etc.)
• Get contact information and websites

Other Resources to Explore

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

• Offers patient support, educational resources, and can help connect you with specialists
• Provides information specific to different leukemia types

Your Current Oncologist

• Ask for a referral to a leukemia specialist if you're not already seeing one
• Request a second opinion at a specialized center—this is standard practice and most doctors support it

Your Insurance Company

• Verify which specialized centers are in-network
• Ask about coverage for treatment at centers of excellence

Questions to Ask When Contacting a Center

• Do you specialize in [your specific leukemia type]?
• What is your experience treating patients with my subtype?
• Do you participate in clinical trials?
• How soon can I schedule an appointment?
• Can you arrange a second opinion consultation?
• What insurance do you accept?

Important Note

According to the NCCN Guidelines, you have an important role in advocating for yourself. Seeking the opinion of a leukemia specialist—whether as your primary care provider or for a second opinion—is a recommended part of getting the best care possible.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.