Information on Fake Doctors

When visiting a physician for the first time, it is common to make assumptions about his education and training. After all, the person is a doctor. But sometimes, these people are not doctors and do not have the proper training to conduct exams or recommend treatment. These fake doctors are con artists preying on unsuspecting patients in need of medical care. Do not be the latest victim.

Check Out the Office

• Before you even see the doctor, it is a good idea to survey the surroundings. If the clinic looks temporary and has no staff besides the doctor, this is a very big red flag. If the doctor has no office at all and sees you at someone's residence, that is an even bigger red flag. If there is no office or the office does not look legitimate, you do not have to follow through with the meeting.

Request a Resume

• Treat finding a health care provider like finding an employee. After all, you or your insurance will be paying this doctor for services. Ask for a resume and make a few calls. You would not hire someone without confirming the previous experience listed on her resume. You should not choose a health care provider without confirming the experience listed on the resume. Watch out for doctors who have switched states multiple times. This could indicate some sort of legal trouble or state-imposed ban.

Check for Board Certification

• Check with the state's medical board to find out if the doctor is licensed. Every practicing doctor and dentist is required to have a license. The board evaluates a doctor's history, education and experience before awarding a license, so this will save you the time of verifying resume information yourself. The board also has information about malpractice suits and formal complaints filed against providers.

The Value of Health

• Everyone wants to get the most bang for his buck, but when it comes to surgeries and cosmetic procedures, the cheapest option might prove to be deadly. The fact is that surgery is expensive once you factor in the labor, equipment, anesthesia, sterilization techniques and so on. If a provider is willing to give a wildly discounted rate, there is a very good chance he is not licensed and is cutting corners.

Legal Repercussions

• If you find out that the doctor is not who she says she is, you have the responsibility to report her to local authorities. It is not only unethical to practice without a license, it is illegal. By reporting your findings about a fake doctor, you might save the life of an unsuspecting patient.