Resources to help you choose a doctor
Find a doctor
You can look by name, or specialty and location. Includes information on each doctor's training and board certification.
Confirm specialty board certification
Board certified means that a doctor has completed several
years of training (residency) in a specialized field of medicine, and has
passed exams in that field. The exams are designed to ensure that the
doctor has the knowledge, experience and skills required to provide
quality care in that specialty.
This is above and beyond the requirements to be a practicing physician:
an M.D. or D.O. degree, and a current license.
Some boards require both a written and an oral exam. In these
boards, Board Eligible means the doctor has passed the
written exam but has not taken the oral exam. In most cases being Board Eligible reflects knowledge and experience in the field.
Many doctors who are not board certified still bring a wealth of
experience to their practice. Many surgeons who train outside the United States
do not become board eligible once practicing in the U.S.
Factors like caring and compassion cannot be measured by an
exam. Ultimately, ask yourself what you need to be comfortable with your
doctor.
Review Practice History
In order to legally practice medicine, a doctor must have an M.D. or D.O.
degree, and a current license. Each medical license must be renewed
regularly. Part of the requirements to renew a medical license is
continuing education. New discoveries are made every day, so continuing
education ensures all practicing doctors stay current with constantly changing
techniques for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Licensing also is a way to discipline or bar from practice doctors who
are guilty of misconduct. Malpractice, claims and suits may or may
not indicate wrongdoing on the physician's part; Certain specialties are
especially vulnerable to malpractice suits. However, censure or disciplinary
action by the state licensing boards is much rarer and should be considered
carefully when choosing a doctor.
The resources below allow you to check your doctor's practice history
online. Most resources check for both a current license to practice
medicine and any disciplinary action; however, in some states these are
overseen by different boards.
