Is an AMA doctor better than a non-AMA doctor?

Question

How important is it for the doctor to be a member of the AMA (American Medical Association, I think it is)?

I need a new doctor. My current one just quit. In fact, the doctor's building I visit cannot seem to keep doctors for very long. I'm incredibly displeased with the level of care and apparently the doctors are unhappy as well so that makes things worse. None of them at this building are AMA members, so I'm not sure if that means something.

Is it really important for a doctor to join it, or is it just a fancy club they all join for bragging rights? Is there a reason that none of these doctors I've seen in the past couple years are AMA, do they not make the cut because they're so terrible?

I'm not sure if I explained it clear enough, the whole AMA and non-AMA has me confused. I just don't understand why some doctors are in it and some aren't.

Answer 1

According to the AMA's website:

Mission: To promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

Vision: To be an essential part of the professional life of every physician.

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues.

AMA policy on issues in medicine and public health is decided through its democratic policy-making process, in the AMA House of Delegates.

The AMA's activities with for-profit entities are directed by AMA guidelines for corporate relationships, and its Internet products follow AMA guidelines for health and information Web sites. For information and inquires about advertising on the AMA’s Web site, please send an e-mail to [e-mail].

The AMA seems to be more of a lobbyist group for medical professionals, not for credentials. Personally, I don't think that it would make a difference if your doctor were a member of the AMA or not.

I would, however, be more concerned if my doctor was board-certified in his or her specialty. You can check on that at www.abms.org.

I would also check if my doctor is a member of any professional organizations dealing with his or her specialty. Those organizations typically require their members to be board certified.

Also, don't depend on your insurance carrier's provider listing for accurate information. I have seen doctors lie about being board-certified and other things, and when I brought it up to my insurance carrier's customer service, they never acted upon it.

Another thing: if your doctor's office changes their doctors that frequently, they are either not paying or treating their physicians very well. Translation: newbies and not exactly the best or brightest either to get involved in a practice like that. Find a more competent doctor.

Answer 2

Doctors who aren't a part of the American Medical Association are not accredited. Being a part of the AMA means that they will be held accountable for any mistakes made. It's not a fancy club joined for bragging rights, it's an association required to ensure the best possible medical care, and it requires that you are a capable doctor in order to join. It's important, and may very well be the reason you're not pleased with the care you're getting right now.

Answer 3

Most MD's and medical students are members,its also open to foreign students and graduate's entering a specialty residency training.The goal of the AMA is keep the standards of excellence high ,and to educate and maintain the public health systems.Its not the responsibility of the AMA to see that a student or residents training is adequate,that would be the Univ hospitals who let them practice there,under supervision of teaching professor's.When they fulfill the training,they take "specialty" board exams,that qualify them to be "board certified" specialist in their fields etc.The benefits to a doctor being a member is almost mandatory,it's a mark of excellence and pride in the profession etc.Take care. SW RNP

Answer 4

FIRST RESPONDER IS 100% CORRECT BEING A MEMBER GUARANTEES ABSOLUTE NOTHING. THIS IS A VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIP WHICH LIKE THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION GIVES DOCTORS A VOICE IN LEGISLATION LOBBIES. WHERE IT REALLY COUNTS, IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE OR DENTISTRY IT HAS NO VALUE OR CLOUT. EITHER DOCTOR HAS TO BE LICENSED BY THE STATE IN WHICH THEY PRACTICE.
THE MOST CAPABLE PRACTITIONERS ARE THOSE WHO CAN BE RECOMMENDED BY THEIR PEERS OR PATIENTS.
THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE A LICENSE MAKES YOU ELIGIBLE NOT A MEMBERSHIP IN AN ORGANIZATION.

Answer 5

this is obviously a complicated concern that i think of is going decrease back to lobbying/bribery of congress. Our representatives are traitors and could desire to be got rid of, including putting a time era decrease on them and removing lobbyist that's meant to easily grant guidance for or against an argument, to no longer provide bribes.

Answer 6

ama status means nothing. it is the lobby organization for docs but tells you nothing of their compentancy. better to see if they are board certified in their specialty. I also reccommend a word of mouth reference. good luck