How to Research a Doctor's Credentials
As you may have already discovered the hard way, not all physicians are created equally. Indeed, you should be very discriminating when choosing a doctor, whether you are looking for a general practitioner or a specialist. From education and work experience to malpractice history, there are many things to consider when researching your next physician. Thanks to the Internet, gaining access to a doctor's credentials has never been easier.
What to Look For
Consider the following information about your doctor when researching his/her professional expertise.
- Educational Background — While you don't have to exclude every doctor that didn't attend Harvard Medical School, you do want a physician who received his/her medical degree from a reputable university.
- Medical License — A physician must hold a current state medical license in order to legally practice. This should, obviously, be the first thing you confirm about a doctor before you become his/her patient.
- Board Certification — Often confused with a state medical license, board certification is actually something entirely different. To be board certified in a particular area means that a doctor has received additional training as a specialist. If you are looking for an obstetrician, for example, you will want one with certification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Accepted Insurances — This could very well be your biggest obstacle in finding a suitable physician. Never assume that a doctor accepts your medical insurance. Rather, you should call his/her office for a list of accepted plans.
- Hospital Affiliations — Check which hospital(s) your doctor is affiliated with. Being affiliated with more than one is best, as it will give you more flexibility. You may have a preference for a particular local hospital, in which case you will want a doctor who has a relationship with that facility.
- Years of Experience — Normally, you will want a doctor who has been practicing for at least three years, preferably more. Even a doctor with a top-notch education and reputation needs some time to hone his/her skills in the real world.
- Malpractice Judgments — You don't have to necessarily count a doctor out because he/she has been investigated for malpractice. Instead, look at the specifics of each case. If a doctor has several malpractice judgments on his record, however, that is a red flag.
- Public Recognition — Look to see if the doctor in question has received any academic or community awards. Being publicly recognized by peers and/or patients is always a good sign.
- Community Involvement — Positive community involvement speaks volumes about a doctor's integrity and dedication to medicine and to his/her community. For example, a surgeon who dedicated his/her services to third world countries or a doctor who is involved with improving the local university's medical program.
Where to Look
The following sources will be free of charge and should be your first choices when researching a doctor's reputation and credentials. There are many paid Web sites and services that claim to offer exclusive information about doctor backgrounds. However, you should be able to find the same information through the channels below.
- State Medical Board — Your state's medical board will provide you with free information about a doctor's education, training, current license and board certifications. Past and present malpractice suits may be included with this report, as well. Many states will have an online database for such information, offering a simple search tool for instant results. However, you may have to request such information by phone or mail.
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) — The ABMS is a non-profit organization that oversees the certification of American physician specialists. It encompasses 24 Member Boards, which offer board certification in over 130 specialty areas. To determine whether a specialist is currently certified in his/her area of expertise, you can use this site's simple search tool. Registration is required for personal use, but it is free of charge.
- RateMDs.com — This user-driven site allows patients and colleagues to anonymously review doctors. This is a great way to hear from former and current patients. Testimonials will include a number rating for the following four areas: staff, punctuality, helpfulness and knowledge.
- Vimo — Similar to RateMDs.com, Vimo allows users to grade doctors and offer testimonials. This site will also offer background information on doctors, where available. An interesting tool featured on this site is the ability to compare doctors side-by-side. The goal of Vimo is to allow users to "comparison shop for health."
- The Doctor — Finally, why not go straight to the source for information? A free consultation will be the best way to determine whether or not your doctor is suited to your needs. He/she can answer any questions you have about their practice. Though you can access unbiased facts about a doctor from third party sources, this is how you tell if a doctor has a good bedside manner, which can be just as important as training and experience for some patients.
Though the above resources will provide pertinent information about a doctor's credentials from education to board certifications, you should always have a one-on-one meeting with a doctor before deciding if he/she meets all your criteria. Some organizations, such as your state's medical board, may only have a limited amount of information available. This is why it is best to pursue several avenues for research before you schedule a consultation. No two doctors have the same background or disposition, so you will sometimes have to rely on your instincts, as well.
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