How to Give Your Doctor a Check-Up

Have you ever checked out your doctor's credentials? Sometimes those framed diplomas and plaques on office walls don't tell you everything you need to know. The Medical Board of California has a website featuring a service called Doc Finder. Spokeswoman Candace Cohen says once you type in the physician's name, you will see where he or she graduated from medical school, whether the license is up-to-date and if a doctor has been formally accused of wrongdoing by California's Medical Board. The Board discloses all reported cases of discipline by a hospital or another state's board, and felony convictions.

Malpractice judgments and arbitration awards since 1993 are also part of a physician's profile. This year the state will start reporting on doctors who have 3 malpractice settlements exceeding $30,000 within a 10-year period for low-risk specialties and 4 or more for high-risk specialties. The website is www.medbd.ca.gov or call 916-263-2382.