Doctors have always been important figures in the lives of many people. They are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to deal with various health problems. Quite literally, our lives are in their hands. This is why in the current COVID-19 pandemic, they are held up as dedicated frontliners in the fight against the virus.
Because doctors are crucial to addressing health concerns, it takes a long and grueling process consisting of medical school, residencies, and board exams before they can be certified. This is to ensure that patients are being cared for by trained individuals. With cases of malpractice an occasional occurrence, you need to be sure that your doctor is board-certified so you can avoid such. Even with malpractice insurance, the toll these incidents can have on your physical and mental health can be quite daunting.
Here’s how you can find out if your doctor is certified. And while you’re at it, here are some tips to determine if your board-certified doctor is the one for you.
Look them up online
One thing you can do is to look them up online through their names. You’ll find their name on a list of passers if they are indeed certified. Look for announcements posted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just to be sure. They are the government agency in charge of applications for certification and identification cards of several professions including those in the healthcare industry. Aside from this, you can check legitimate online databases of doctors for a more thorough background check.
View their ratings
Once you’re sure that they are indeed certified, go further and look for reviews about this doctor’s service. They may be legally allowed to practice medicine, but not all doctors are compatible with every patient. Use these reviews to inform your decision in choosing if this doctor will be your provider before meeting with them. While oftentimes you won’t see a doctor’s practice until you go to their clinic yourself, it helps to have an idea of what you may be walking into.
Ask questions about their practice and credentials
If you do decide to go meet the doctor in person, come equipped with a few questions about their practice and credentials. Ask them about how they approach healthcare, as well as their experience in medical school and passing the board. This gives you insight on their journey towards becoming doctors and sets your expectations as a patient. Also, do check the diplomas and certificates on display on their clinic wall to get an overview of their accomplishments. Afterwards, you may do research online or contact relevant institutions to verify the info you’ve heard and seen.
With healthcare more important than ever, something that seems simple as a board certification is of absolute importance when determining if a doctor has the credentials and expertise to care for you. This is the same with every profession, but especially in health services where lives are at stake. Do your due research before choosing which doctor to go to. Don’t settle for less, especially with regards to both your health and your family’s. And if things go awry, always have your malpractice insurance as a safety net for your assurance.
