Most people take steps to ensure that they end up with the right doctor for their situation. In some cases, this involves doing research before choosing a primary care physician. In other cases, a person may need to figure out which medical specialist is best for a procedure or treatment that they need. Regardless of your medical needs, you may want to know whether or not a doctor you are thinking of working with has any complaints against them. Here, we want to discuss how you can find out the history of a medical professional that you are thinking about working with, including checking for any criminal convictions and disciplinary actions.
How to Find Out if a Doctor Has Disciplinary Actions
When you begin taking steps to find out whether or not a doctor has any complaints, you need to explore all avenues available to you, including checking their disciplinary record, so you can be sure that you are working with someone that you can trust.
1. Using DocInfo to Find Information
The Federation of State Medical Boards has put together a database that they call DocInfo. This database provides background data on approximately one million licensed physicians in the United States. This will include any information regarding disciplinary action taken against the medical provider in question. The database also includes information on medical malpractice judgments.
2. Turning to the California Medical Board
In California, you can turn to the license verification set up by the Medical Board of California to check for medical licensure. The state medical board plays a crucial role in overseeing medical licensure, ensuring that physicians meet the required standards, and managing administrative and disciplinary matters.
When you get to this page, you can search by name or license number, by city or county, or by survey responses. This website allows you to not only check the licensing of a physician or surgeon but also view their postgraduate training, licensed midwives, research psychoanalysts, and student research psychoanalysts, as well as a variety of special programs in the state.
3. Court Records
If an individual has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against a medical professional or medical facility in California, there will be a record of this in the court where the case was filed. Most court records can be found online by doing a little bit of research about your court jurisdiction and cases. Even though the information available to you online may be limited, you will still be able to see whether or not a person has faced a medical malpractice lawsuit as well as the disposition of that lawsuit.
However, we caution you to use court records as somewhat of a guideline but not a definitive measure of whether or not to work with a doctor. Many medical professionals face medical malpractice lawsuits that have no sound basis, so this may not be an indication of whether or not the medical professional should be trusted. Additionally, it is crucial to check for any instances of medical negligence, as this can be a significant factor in disciplinary actions against doctors. Checking for medical errors is also important to protect yourself from potential malpractice and inadequate care.
4. Internet Search
We encourage you to also look up the healthcare providers in question on the Internet. When you conduct an online search, we want you to avoid using reviews put online from the medical provider where the doctor or provider works. Instead, we encourage you to look at third-party review systems. This can include Google Reviews, Yelp, Healthgrades, WebMD Physician Directory, etc.
When you type in the name of the doctor in question, look to the right side of your Internet search page, and you should be able to see a list of their reviews aggregated in one spot. If you do not, you may have to scroll through the first page of results to get various third-party reviews.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a preventable medical error, contact the Irvine medical malpractice lawyers at Callahan & Blaine today.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you believe that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it is essential to understand the standards and regulations governing medical practice and the steps you need to take to protect your rights and potentially seek compensation. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standards of care in the medical community, leading to injury or death.
The following are crucial steps to follow if you suspect malpractice:
1. Document Everything
Start by gathering all medical records and documentation related to the treatment in question. This includes hospital records, prescriptions, lab results, and any communications with healthcare providers. Document your symptoms, treatment dates, and conversations with healthcare professionals. Keeping a detailed record can provide crucial evidence for your case.
2. Seek a Second Medical Opinion
Consult another healthcare provider to assess your condition and the care you received. A second opinion can help confirm whether the standard of care was breached and the extent of your injuries or health issues caused by the initial treatment.
3. Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney
Medical malpractice claims are complex and require professional legal expertise. Look for an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice and has a track record of handling similar cases. A qualified lawyer can offer a preliminary assessment of your case and guide you through the legal processes involved.
4. Understand the Statute of Limitations
Be aware of the time limits for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in your state. These statutes of limitations can vary, and failing to take action within the deadline can result in losing your right to sue.
5. Avoid Discussing Your Case
Refrain from discussing your suspicions or details of your case with friends, family, or on social media. Such discussions could potentially be used against you in your case. Limit your communications to conversations with your lawyer.
Understand that pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a lengthy and demanding process. Emotional support from family and friends can be invaluable, as can preparing mentally and financially for the road ahead. The lawyers of Callahan & Blaine will guide you through the legal process, improving your chance of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Callahan & Blaine for Medical Malpractice Cases?
Navigating concerns about your healthcare provider’s history can be stressful, especially if you or a loved one has already experienced harm due to a preventable error. Verifying a physician’s license is crucial to ensure they are trustworthy and have no serious disciplinary actions. It is also important to check the state medical board’s records for comprehensive details on a doctor’s license status and disciplinary history. At Callahan & Blaine, we bring 40 years of experience in high-stakes cases and a dedication to rigorous client advocacy. Our team has won record-setting jury verdicts and settlements, including the highest personal injury settlement in U.S. history, showing that we know how to handle complex, high-value cases.
When you work with us, you’ll have an experienced trial lawyer by your side—never a junior associate—providing you with direct and insightful guidance. Our seasoned team has over 700 years of combined experience in civil litigation, which we put to work for every client. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, call us at (714) 241-4444 or reach out via our contact form.
