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Informative Articles

Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine - Pt 2
In Part 1 we discussed the fact that alternative medicine (so called) was being used in ancient times long before conventional medicine came on the scene. It is interesting to note that there were not so many diseases plaguing mortals in those...

How magic are stem cells?
Research on stem cells is advancing knowledge about how an living bodies develop from a single cell and how healthy cells replace damaged cells in adults. This promising area of science is also leading scientists to look at the possibility...

Living with Chronic Illness & Disorders: Are You a Survivor?
Once upon a time, I was a vibrant, youthful teenager... My First Encounter During my first pregnancy, I had contracted chicken pox from my young nephews and niece. Though it made for an irritable time in my initial trimester, I hadn't given...

The Effects of Diet on Infertiltiy
Overwhelmed by studies, research and the constantly changing diet, nutrition and food recommendations? With so many conflicting opinions and studies it's a full time job trying to keep up with the do's and don'ts. Here are… not just five,...

What is Herbal Medicine? Is it safe?
Herbal medicine is the use of plant and herb extracts for their therapeutic value. Most plants contain and produce chemical substances that aid in healing and other physical treatments. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare and...

 
Doctor Background Check

Why check a doctor’s background?

We all want the best possible surgeon or physician when it comes to our healthcare. We know all
physicians and surgeons do not have the same training and experience, especially in today’s advanced
medical health-care environment. No doctor will tell you outright whether he/she has been disciplined
or had one or more malpractice judgments issued against him/her. The only way to find out, is to ask
or research the surgeon or physician yourself.



Free Doctor Information

Is there such a thing as free doctor information? Absolutely; you can find free doctor information by
contacting your state medical board or by browsing online. The question is, how much information
can you get for free and how accurate will it be? Most state medical boards do not charge; however,
most (if not all) offer limited background information on doctors. Very few establishments
(less than a handful) specialize in providing information relating to doctor’s credentials. That’s why
it’s important to find out how credible the company is, and what type of doctor-related information they offer.



Doctors’ Credentials

Just by looking at a doctor’s credentials will not guarantee you will receive high quality health care.
However, you can use several important criteria to find an experienced well-trained physicians or surgeon.



Tips:


  • If your are looking for a specialist, make sure he/she is board-certified in his/her respective
    field of specialty.

  • Make sure no disciplinary actions has been instituted.

  • Look closely at malpractice judgments, and how many have been brought against the practitioner (more than three is not good)

  • Find out if he/she is fellowship-trained in their specialty field. This-is usually a good sign.

  • Look for hospital


    affiliations or membership affiliations; the more there are, the better.

  • Physician or surgeon has been practicing medicine five years or more.

  • Research to see if they have teaching responsibilities at any hospitals etc.

  • Look for a physician or surgeon who has been practicing medicine for five years or more.

  • Research to see if they have teaching responsibilities at any hospitals or other medical institutions

  • Find out how much of the physician’s practice focuses on the medical condition/surgery you request.

  • Find out if the physician/surgeon has any awards, or is involved in his/her community.



Research a Doctor

How do I research a doctor? The Internet is loaded with many sites which claim to have information about
doctors’ credentials information. And yes, most of them do; however, you want to make sure you get more
than just a doctor’s license number and contact information. For more comprehensive information, consider contacting the following sources.


  • Your local library

  • Your state medical board

  • The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a non-profit organization comprising 24 medical specialty boards.

  • The medical society relevant to your intended physician or surgeon’s field of specialty.

  • American Medical Association , if a member



Bottom line

Every physician or surgeon has a different background of experience and training. The more research you conduct into this background, the more it will increase your chances of finding a health-care provider
who will satisfy your medical needs.


About the Author

Hugo Gallegos is founder & president of http://www.mdnationwide.org toll free 1 877-242-8556.

 

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