Question: How to look up background information on a doctor before going to him/her?
From: Deb S. of Pulaski, WI

Answer: There are numerous websites which allow healthcare consumers to do quality measurement checks hospitals and physicians and learn about a physician’s background. There are a few that I would recommend to check on your physician. For example, the American Medical Association (www.ama-assn.org) provides information on licensed physicians. The American Board of Medical Specialties (www.abms.org) can tell you if the physician is board certified. The Association of State Medical Board Executive Directors (www.docboard.org) gives licensing and disciplinary information on physicians and other healthcare practitioners. Another helpful site is HealthGrades (www.healthgrades.com). Contact your local medical association. Very often, hospitals will provide background information on affiliated physicians on their websites.