How do I find out about a doctor's past?

Answer 1

I've seen the actual disciplinary history paperwork that hospitals keep. It's about 4 pages (both sides) with every possible kind of negligence and malpractice you can think of listed and little boxes to be checked.

What's clear when you read it over, is that it doesn't matter what a doctor has done. They can still practice anywhere they want as long as they can afford the insurance premium. State medical boards have a reputation for being extremely lenient and failing to revoke the medical licenses of doctors who clearly shouldn't be practicing.

Whenever a doctor is accused of something, say for example, sexual harassment, it's almost always settled out of court. There will be no record and no way for you to know. A settlement agreement barrs everyone involved from talking about it and records are sealed.

If it goes to court it's a matter of public record and you would have access to that. I assure you though that 99.999% of the time malpractice claims are settled out of court. With medical boards and lawyers to protect them, it doesn't leave you with much.

1. Make sure your physician is licensed in the medical specialty in which they are practicing. Check your state's medical licensing board.

2. Always choose a board certified physician. If they have additional certifications that have required additional training, even better.

3. When having surgery at a hospital associated with a medical school you should request an attending physician do your surgery. Without consulting patients, many teaching hospitals allow residents in training to perform operations. They are supervised but things can still go wrong before the attending is able to intervene.

4. Be active in your local community. Almost everyone in my area knows my orthodontist and my surgeon. Both have *excellent* reputations. Word of mouth is the best.

5. You are able to search public records in your county for your physician which would include criminal records like DUI arrests, and civil records like judgments and malpractice. They have enough money to move around though and are rarely trained in the same city and state they now practice in.

6. A few states now have quality assurance commissions. I think Washington state has one. You should see if your state has anything similiar.

7. http://www.jointcommission.org/

JCAHO is like the medical board for hospitals and their outpatient clinics. :) JCAHO (pronounced jay-co) is your friend. Learn about it's regulations and when you feel they're being violated speak up.

Example: A nurse refused to have the vomit cleaned up in the single toilet I had to share with another patient. I cited the JCAHO regulation violation and it was done immediately.

Example: A doctor withheld anesthesia from me and performed a minor surgery without gloves in the hospital. I called an administrator and cited JCAHO regulations. She was upset that a patient even knew about those.

Answer 2

Go to the College of Physicians website,every country has one.If your doctor has been up to no good,it will be noted on the site.

Answer 3

Most states now have a Board on line, that you can check the particular Doctors record. Call you local library 'reference desk' and they will give you the Web Address for your particular state!

Thanks, RR

Answer 4

If you have a genuine inquiry you can go to the medical registration board in your nearest state capital.

Answer 5

The college of physicians and surgeons will be able to tell you

Answer 6

Go to your state medical board website; they have info on disciplinary actions.

Answer 7

Just go to http://www.doctorspast.com