Give Your Doctor a Check-Up

If you've had the same doctor for a long time and you're generally satisfied with the care you've received, chances are you have never checked on his or her license with the State Medical Board. Most people haven't, according to Public Information Officer Candice Cohen. This Board licenses all doctors practicing in California, and the website, www.mbc.ca.gov is considered one of the best in the country in terms of information provided to consumers.

What can you find out about any doctor? Most importantly, you can verify that the State has not filed any formal charges against the physician. The Board will post felony convictions along with disciplinary actions. When I used the website recently, I was disappointed that specialties were not listed on an individual doctor's record, but that is coming soon. The consumer information section is also useful with articles on Internet prescriptions, medical marijuana laws, and rights concerning medical records.