checking out doctor credentials and complaints

[Winnie]

I looked on line; typed the doctor's name in before I went to this doctor.  Didn't find much.  What else do I do for checking out credentials and complaints?  Is there a specific website?  Ok, now I feel stupid.

Winnie         

[mshistory]

Don't feel stupid - I do the same thing! There are numerous doctor rating sites, and you can check for any complaints on the state board of licensing/examiners.

[cargillwitch]

as a nurse myself working within the community the best way to check out a doctor is ASK AROUND ( especially any nurses you know!)

Ask if they have seen the practitioner, for what issues( funny most people are very willing to disclose this!)

what treatments were suggested, what results the person had. Do they continue to see them?. Would they recommend them to another family member?

  You should ask this of ANY care provider you are seeing. Trust me just because a board or medical board authorizes them to practice doesn't mean they are good doctors  be it  allopathic , naturopathic or homeopathic.

Bad and good can be found in all ranks as they are all comprised of humans.

[quietdynamics]

When I wanted information and did not have a name of a specific Dr. I asked the local Pharmacy who in their experience they were impressed (I know they hear from the patients) with and told them my Dx to narrow it down. They were very helpful.

[hootyhu1]

I ask my PCP, any nurses/technicians that I know and when Im in the waiting room of that doctor......other patients will either be happy to be there or pissed off because the wait is too long/rude doc, staff whatever the case may be. 

I am lucky right now, I work in Ophthalmology and I ask my patients who they see. We will be moving here soon and I will be staying home with my kids for a few years so I will lose that networking feature. And unfortunately where we are moving to there is only one rhuemy on our insurance plan and he is 50 miles away

[eye2dry]

You can check your states Medical board. It will give education info, years in practice, and any complaints filed against the dr and any actions or restrictions on their license.

And of course, word of mouth from other people you meet.

good luck.

eye2dry