How to Check Your Doctor’s License and Certification Credentials

When you go to a health care center, you expect that the doctor is properly licensed and board-certified if such a designation has been advertised by the practice. If you later find out that your improper diagnosis, treatment or lack of proper care has been caused by a doctor who was not actually licensed or certified in the area of expertise as advertised, it is important that you contact Las Vegas injury lawyers for legal advice. You can also follow these tips to check the doctor’s license and medical credentials.

Verify the Board

Some doctors may claim to be certified by a particular specialty board. There are many well-known board certification agencies, which include the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Physician Specialties and the American Osteopathic Association. If the doctor claims certification from some other agency, look into it and decide for yourself if it is a legitimate certifying organization.

Verify the Certification

Once you have established the veracity of the certifying agency, verify that the doctor has the certification. You may be able to do this online by entering the physician’s information into a form. You may also be able to call the agency and talk with a customer service representative.

Confirm the Doctor’s License to Practice Medicine

State medical boards license doctors. Doctor license renewals may take place every two, four or six years. It is important to make sure that the doctor has a current license to practice medicine. You may be able to find out online or by calling the state medical licensing board. If the doctor was not certified in an advertised specialty or licensed to practice medicine, contact an attorney to learn more about your rights.