Finding Doctors
Checklist for finding the best doctor:
1) Be certain the doctor is board certified.
2) Make sure the doctor has not moved recently from out of state. The
move may have been precipitated by problems in the physician’s last
state.
3) Check the state medical board, which maintains lists of medical
licenses. However, the board does not keep track of which specialty a
doctor’s license is in.
4) Look up the doctor’s name in your local county courthouse to see if
anyone has filed legal action against him or her. However, being sued
does not necessarily mean the doctor was at fault. Also, physicians who
have lots of patients are more likely to be the subject of litigation.
5) Call the top malpractice lawyers in your area and see if they have sued
the physician.
6) Check the state’s department of insurance, which should keep a list of
all closed claims filed against each doctor.
7) County medical associations and the American Medical Association
give referrals, but there are no rating systems. Doctors pay to become
members.
8) Ensure that the doctor has hospital privileges for procedures
performed at the office.
These resources are available to assist your search:
Medical Board of California
Complaints: (916) 263-2382
Central Complaint Board 1-800-633-2322
Verification of License (916) 263-2635
American Board of Medical Specialty (ABMS)
1-800-776-2382
Orange County Medical Board
(714) 978-1160
Federal Specialty Board
(215) 568-4000
Public Citizen’s Questionable Doctors Home Page
KnowX.com searches public records for less than $10.
BestDoctors.com charges $25 for a referral to a local, screened physician.
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