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UCSF Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Referral Guide

digital rendering of cancer cells

At UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, we partner with referring providers in the evaluation and management of suspected or confirmed hematologic and oncologic conditions. Early consultation is encouraged, including when diagnosis remains uncertain.

Immediate Emergency Department (ED) Referral 

Send patient to the ED and notify the Pediatric Access Center for: 

  • Suspected acute leukemia or lymphoma: Blast cells on complete blood count (CBC) with differential 
  • Severe cytopenias with instability: Hemoglobin (Hgb) <7, platelet count (Plt) <20, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <500 with bleeding or infection 
  • Mediastinal mass or airway compromise: Clinical or imaging concern for obstruction 
  • Abdominal mass palpated on exam: Expedited work-up or clinical signs of tumor rupture 
  • CNS symptoms: New or worsening headaches, seizures, balance/coordination issues, or unexplained weakness 
  • Tumor lysis syndrome: Electrolyte abnormalities or renal dysfunction 
  • Spinal cord compression: New neurologic deficit or unexplained midline back pain 
  • Febrile neutropenia: Fever in a known oncology patient 
  • Sickle cell emergency: Acute neurologic deficit, splenic sequestration, or fever ?101°F 
  • Significant bleeding in hemophilia or inherited bleeding disorder 
  • Uncontrolled bleeding: Post-procedure or post-traumatic event 
  • Suspicion for pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis 

Pediatric Access Center: (877) 822-4453(877-UC-CHILD) 

Emergency Department locations: San Francisco and Oakland 

Refer to Pediatric Hematology 

Clinic Locations: Greenbrae, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek 

  • Persistent cytopenias: Anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia 
  • Anemia unresponsive to therapy 
  • Hemolysis or abnormal smear 
  • Suspected marrow failure 
  • Bleeding disorders 
  • Thrombotic events 
  • Hemoglobinopathies 

Refer to Pediatric Oncology 

Clinic Locations: Oakland, San Francisco, Walnut Creek 

  • Persistent lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly 
  • Constitutional symptoms 
  • Bone pain or pathologic fracture 
  • New or incidental mass lesion 
  • Relapsed or refractory disease 
  • Genetic cancer risk 

How to Refer 

Phone: (877) 822-4453(877-UC-CHILD) 

Hematology Referral: ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/hematology-referral 

Oncology Referral: ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/oncology-referral 

Why Refer to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals 

  • Dedicated hematology and oncology subspecialists 
  • Multidisciplinary tumor boards 
  • Molecular tumor profiling (UCSF500) 
  • Bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy 
  • Hereditary cancer and survivorship clinics 
  • Clinical trial access 
  • Direct provider communication 
  • Gene therapy for hereditary hematologic conditions