Physician Credentials/Practice Specialties - Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find out if my doctor has a practice specialty?
- My physician told me that she was board certified and handed me a card with her board specialty. Is it mandatory for my physician to be "board certified" in her specialty?
- My physician informed me that he is board certified by "XYZ" specialty board and is advertising in the local newspaper. Is this legal?
- How do I know if my physician is board certified or if he or she is certified by an approved specialty board?
- How do I find out if my doctor is licensed or a "real" medical doctor?
- Has my doctor ever been in any kind of "trouble" or had any complaints filed against him?
- How do I find out if my doctor has been, or is, licensed in another state?
How do I find out if my doctor has a practice specialty?
For information concerning a physician's specialty, please contact the American Board of Medical Specialties at 866-275-2267.
My physician told me that she was board certified and handed me a card with her board specialty. Is it mandatory for my physician to be "board certified" in her specialty?
There is no current law that requires that a physician be "board certified." However, unless physicians are certified by a specialty board as defined by law, physicians are prohibited from using the term "board certified" in their advertisements. The law does not, however, prohibit the advertising of specialization regardless of board certification status, nor does it prohibit the use of "diplomate, member, approved by," or any other term that is subject to interpretation by prospective patients.
My physician informed me that he is board certified by "XYZ" specialty board and is advertising in the local newspaper. Is this legal?
Business and Professions Code §651(h)(5)(A) & (B) prohibits physicians from advertising that they are board certified unless they are certified by one of the following: a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties, a specialty board with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited postgraduate training program, or a specialty board approved by the Medical Board of California's Division of Licensing as equivalent. For more information on specialty boards approved by the Board, go to http://www.mbc.ca.gov/Specialty.htm.
How do I know if my physician is board certified or if he or she is certified by an approved specialty board?
You may contact the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) at 866-275-2267. In addition, the Medical Board has approved the following specialty boards: American Board of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery; American Board of Pain Medicine; American Board of Sleep Medicine; and the American Board of Spine Surgery. Links to the above-named boards are available through our Web site at: http://www.mbc.ca.gov/Specialty.htm.
How do I find out if my doctor is licensed or a "real" medical doctor?
You may obtain information about a physician from the Medical Board of California by calling (916) 263-2382, option #1, or by going to "Check Your Doctor Online" and viewing a physician's profile. You also may want to check the Osteopathic Medical Board's Web site if you are unable to locate your physician on our Web site.
Has my doctor ever been in any kind of "trouble" or had any complaints filed against him?
You may check your doctor's profile on our Web site at "Check Your Doctor Online." Complaints are confidential in California. However, disciplinary action against a licensee is public.
How do I find out if my doctor has been, or is, licensed in another state?
You may contact the Federation of State Medical Boards located in Euless, TX, at the toll-free number 866-275-2267 for further information about other state medical boards.
