What Is the Importance of Checking a Surgeon's Credentials?

Surgeons perform high-risk procedures that are sometimes life threatening. As such, hospitals must see to it that they employ surgeons with top-notch credentials so that patients are sure to be in the best care.

Standards

• When surgeons' credentials are checked, a hospital can determine whether the doctor meets the standard criteria for her area of expertise. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons says that there are guidelines for surgeons with different specialties. When surgeons meet the standards applicable to their expertise they prove that they have the competency to do a good job.

Risk Management

• Risk management becomes a pressing issue when surgeries are necessary. Healthcare organizations ensure patient safety and eliminate risk by evaluating surgeons' credentials. Physician's News Digest says that credentialing evaluations include the review of board sanctions or complaints, the surgeon's educational background, license and specialty certifications.

Considerations

• Patients have the ability to check their surgeon's credentials, too. State medical boards maintain information on the doctors who work in the state. Patients may be interested in knowing how long their surgeon has been performing surgeries. If a surgeon has a history of malpractice suits or wrongful deaths, this information will come forth during a credential check, too.