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Meet Your HTC Team

It’s important for your child to be able to name and describe the roles of his or her health care team. Not every person with a bleeding disorder needs to see each of these health care professionals and not every Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) has all these specialists on staff. But most HTCs can refer you to one if your child needs a specialist.

Here are some members of the hemophilia treatment team and what they do:

  • Hematologist. A hematologist is a doctor who is specially trained in managing blood disorders. The hematologist may head the health care team responsible for managing an individual's bleeding disorder.
  • Nurse coordinator. A nurse coordinator is often the link between the person with a bleeding disorder and the whole health care team. Remember, the nurse coordinator wants to hear from individuals with bleeding disorders and their caregivers, especially if they think a bleed is occurring.
  • Dentist. The dentist is a specially trained medical professional who cares for teeth and gums but not all dentists treat patients with bleeding disorders. Your HTC may have a dentist or you may have to find a specialist dentist in your area.
  • Genetic counselor. A genetic counselor helps individuals understand bleeding disorders and how they may be inherited.
  • Social worker. A social worker helps a person with a bleeding disorder and his or her family deal with the impact of having a bleeding disorder in everyday life. The social worker helps a person prevent or cope with problems. Remember, preventing a problem is often easier than dealing with one.
  • Orthopedist. An orthopedist is a doctor who is specially trained in diseases of the bones and joints.
  • Physical therapist. The physical therapist tests joints and muscles to measure how well they move. The physical therapist can also provide exercises and help restore any loss of strength or range of motion loss.
  • Occupational therapist. The occupational therapist helps to manage everyday tasks with any limitations resulting from bleeding disorders.