How to Check to See If a Doctor Is Licensed

Picking a doctor or a medical specialist may be one the most important choices you make. The relationship that you have with your physician is based largely on trust. You should know as much about that person as you can before deciding what's best for you and your family. One place to start is by checking his licensing and certifications. Don't be afraid to inquire about your physician's credentials.

Things You'll Need

  • Physician's information (name, address, ZIP code)
  • Computer
  • Internet connection
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Instructions

    • 1

      Using the Resources section below, go to the website for the American Medical Association (AMA). Click on the button, located on the right-hand side, titled, "Doctor Finder." On the introductory page, you'll see "Search for a physician." You must click through a series of screens to get to a form that requests the name of the doctor, last name is required, and the state or zip code of his practice. You can expand your search by listing a specialty if you wish. This will generate all registered physicians with that name in the specified area. Click on the one you are inquiring about and the information about him will pop up.

    • 2

      Check your state medical board. Most have websites, but the information they are willing to give may be limited. However, some will not only give you the licensing information, but will also make you aware of any complaints filed against that doctor.

    • 3

      Check the American Board of Medical Specialties Certified Doctor Verification Service (ABMS). The website can be found at https://www.abms.org/ and will tell you if the doctor you are investigating appears on one of their specialty boards.

    • 4

      Check on your insurance company's website. Often insurance or HMOs have listings of doctors in their network. This will usually give you full information on the physician and his licensing credentials.

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