Physician Survey - Frequently Asked Questions
- I'm retired. Do I have to fill out the survey?
- What is "license type?"
- When must I supply the information?
- Can I fax the survey back?
- Why do I have to answer these questions?
- What will the data be used for?
- How will the data be made available?
- Why should I fill out the optional data?
- If I renew my license online, will I be able to complete the survey online?
I'm retired. Do I have to fill out the survey?
Yes, current California law requires every physician with a California license to complete the survey.
What is "license type?"
The license type is the letter code that precedes your license number.
When must I supply the information?
We are requesting you mail back the survey within two weeks of receiving it. The information will be updated with each licensure renewal after that time.
Can I fax the survey back?
No, faxed copies can not be read by the scantron machine. It must be returned by mail.
Why do I have to answer these questions?
The Legislature deemed it important to obtain information on physician distribution and practice characteristics to address physician access issues and to assist consumers and patients.
What will the data be used for?
The data will be used to define specific physician shortages defined by geography, specialty, and other key variables. The data may also help consumers find physicians who meet their needs.
How will the data be made available?
The mandated data about practice status will be made available on the Medical Board's Web site. Data regarding foreign language fluency and the ethnic background will only be available on the Medical Board's Web site with consent of the physician.
Why should I fill out the optional data?
These data will increase understanding of the state's needs in the areas of language, numbers of specialists, and other physician workforce characteristics.
If I renew my license online, will I be able to complete the survey online?
Yes. It is available from the logout screen.
