How to Investigate a Surgeon for Legal Issues
In the event you are contemplating surgery -- either for cosmetic purposes or another medical reason -- it is wise to know your surgeon's history, prior to going under the knife. A surgeon is not going to advertise the fact that he has encountered legal issues with past patients, so you are going to have to do a little investigating on your own. If your surgeon has received complaints or been sued in the past, the information is public record and easy to find.
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Instructions
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Contact your state medical board. Most medical boards are online and offer a free tool in order to search a medical provider's license. Your search will display if your surgeon is currently licensed to practice medicine in your state, and if he has had formal action taken against his license.
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Go to the court clerk's office at the common pleas court house in your area. Most courts have computers available for individuals to conduct a public records search of cases filed against your surgeon. If the court is online, it may offer this type of search on its website. If your surgeon has been sued, you will be able to pull up most of the case information.
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Ask people you know. Pass around the surgeon's name. If the surgeon you are investigating has been in your area for some time, it is likely that you know someone who has used his services. Other people will be able to share with you a first-hand account of their experiences with the surgeon, and whether or not they would recommend him.
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References
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