How to Find a Board Certified Physician

When searching for a new physician, many patients want someone with board certification. Though physicians can legally practice medicine without this certification, achieving it indicates successful completion of subspecialty tests, peer reviews, fellowships and medical residency. Even after achieving certification, physicians must apply every 10 years for re-certification. Finding a board certified physician is a relatively easy task that requires a few simple procedural steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Go to the American Board of Medical Specialties homepage, scroll over "How we help you" and click on the title "Consumers" on the left sidebar. Select "Find a Board Certified Specialist Here" from the sidebar on the right side of the newly loaded web page (see Reference 3).

• 2

  Select the search method you want. Search options include online, paper directory or by phone. If you select the online method, understand that access is free but requires registration.

• 3

  Click "Online Search" and scroll down to begin registration. Complete the necessary information and wait for your email confirmation with login name and password. Bookmark the online search page so you can easily login after receiving your system issued password.

• 4

  Return to the online search page and enter your login information and password. A display screen should appear of each specialty and subspecialty within the medical field. Enter your ZIP code and state to locate a physician and his or her contact information, including phone number and address.