Checking Out Your Prospective Surgeon
Most people know that physicians train in different specialties before they go into practice. A common question that patients will ask relates to credentials:
What credentials are important in my prospective surgeon?
"Would a hospital allow your surgeon to do the operation that you request?"
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALISTS (ABMS)?
The ABMS is the board that oversees the training in 24 different specialties, including Plastic Surgery. A board approved by the ABMS has training considered correct for that particular specialty.Basic Online American Surgeon Check
[1] Go to the ABMS website and run your surgeon's name and state through the database. See if he/she is certified and in what specialty.
[2] Go you your State Medical Board and run your surgeon's name for disciplinary actions and large malpractice awards. [California]
[3] Ask what hospital your doctor uses from his staff and call the hospital medical staff office. Ask if your doctor has privileges to do your procedure there at the hospital.
Carefully consider what to do with the information you receive.