Medical Malpractice: How to Screen Your Doctor

December 11, 2012

By Robert Kornfeld

Medical malpractice causes thousands of preventable illnesses, injuries, and deaths every year. As a patient, you have an interest in finding a physician with no record of medical malpractice, particularly before undergoing surgery or other dangerous procedures. Unfortunately, medical malpractice settlements are not readily available to the public in most states, and may even be given special privacy protections by state law.

Researching Doctors

The Internet provides patients with useful research tools, such as online doctor reviews. Keep in mind, however, that these often involve little screening to insure that they are posted by actual patients and that the statements made are truthful.

Some review sites are more trustworthy than others. For example, Yelp uses an algorithm to determine which reviews are most likely to be illegitimate and hides those from view. Angie’s List has a good reputation for honest reviews, but requires a paid membership.

Finding Medical Malpractice Claims

However, any consumer review site, no matter how unbiased, cannot tell you if a physician has a record of successful medical malpractice claims.

State licensing websites are another useful tool for patients looking to screen their physicians. All states require that doctors be licensed, and state licensing offices keep records of any disciplinary actions against licensed doctors.

Typically, this information is considered public and is available to search online. Although not every medical malpractice settlement will result in disciplinary action against a physician, some of the most egregious offenses do.

In Washington State, medical malpractice records are not publicly available online, however patients can search licensing records through the Washington State Department of Health.

If you have suffered due to the medical negligence of a Washington State physician or health care provider, call experienced Seattle medical malpractice attorney Rob Kornfeld today, at 1-(800) 282-4878, or email Rob at Rob@Kornfeldlaw.com.

Search medical licensing records for doctors in your state

Alabama

Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners Physician Licensee Search

Alaska

Alaska Professional License Search.

Arizona

Arizona Medical Board: Licensee Search

Arkansas

Arkansas State Medical Board: License Actions

California

The Medical Board of California: Physician License Lookup

Unlike many other states, medical malpractice actions of over $30,000 are public information in the state of California. Search the database for your physician to see if he or she has any record of successful medical malpractice claims.