Quote:
Originally Posted by linda_sears
Check state records. Check for malpractice. I said check credentials not listen to rumors in person or the internet.
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You're dreaming. There ARE some really horrible docs out there----and YOU'LL never find them on google. These quacks usually have reasonable credentials, know how to fly under the radar, and leave an impeccable paper trail in their wake of destruction. They may even have a loyal following. One who comes immediately to mind had very loyal patients---but this was because he was handing out amphetamines to truck drivers and night shift workers. Healthgrades listed him as the #1 best primary care doctor in our town, at least until his license was revoked for Medicaid fraud. Healthgrades also listed an ophthalmologist as number 1 that I never even heard of---The only other doctor here who EVER heard of him was another eye doctor who came here in 1967, and he was already DEAD at that time. "If it is on the internet, it MUST be true"
Don't think malpractice record tell much unless it is well out of the norm---most cases are bogus, frivolous actions taken by ambulance chasing lawyers and their clients in an attempt to extort a quick settlement---some of the best doctors are sued the most frequently, probably because they are perceived as successful, and also may be perceived to be too busy to fight and therefore more likely to settle
You can look at state licensure actions and professional misconduct office reports, but by the time these actions are taken, you are already looking at the worst of the worst
It also works the other way. Back in the day, there was a cardiac surgeon named Randy. National open heart mortality rates at the time were 1.3%, Randy's rate was 4.7%. OMG, what a butcher!!! Oh, but Randy trained with best, was acknowledged as one of the 5 best in the country, on a par with Shumway, Cooley and Spencer. But Randy would operate at Kings County Hospital, would not pick and choose his cases like the other, would take high risk cases and give them a chance---and he save 90+% of them, at the cost of having his personal statistics look bad.
So I disagree with your internet approach. The best way to find a good doctor is to ask your family, friends and neighbors.