The Colorado medical malpractice lawyers at Paulsen & Armitage, LLC know that most medical mistakes are avoidable, and that most mistakes are the result of negligence, carelessness, or incompetence on the part of the doctor or other medical professional. While not all mistakes are avoidable, it is essential that you choose a doctor who is not only competent to treat you but exercises the proper level of care when doing so. How do you know if you are choosing the right doctor? The following article provides some tips and suggestions that may help you find a good doctor that is right for you.
Interview Your Potential Doctor
When selecting a doctor, you are basically hiring a professional to provide you with a service, only in this case the service is very personal and very important. Whether you are finding a doctor from the internet, one from a list of providers in your HMO or PPO network, or based on a referral from a friend, take the time to meet with the doctor before committing to a long-term relationship. After you have conducted some basic research, schedule a brief consultation with the doctor. This can be done as part of a physical examination or as a separate visit, depending upon your comfort level and immediate needs.
To prepare for your visit, take some preliminary steps. You can search beforehand to determine if the doctor is currently licensed or has ever been subject to discipline. You will also want to check your insurance policy, and draw up a list of questions to bring to the visit. These steps are described in more detail below.
Research the Doctor’s Licensing and Discipline History
You will want to know whether your doctor:
- is currently licensed, and how long the doctor has been licensed
- has any disciplinary charges (accusations) pending before the Board
- has any history of past disciplinary action
- has any criminal convictions relevant to the doctor's professional practice or ethical conduct
- has any malpractice judgments entered against him or her
The Colorado Medical Board licenses and disciplines all medical doctors in the state, and their website can provide you with public-record information on Colorado-licensed physicians. With a simple internet search through the Automated Licensure Information System (ALISON), you can find out if a doctor's license is current and renewed, and whether any Board or administrative-related actions have been taken against the doctor.
We hope this information is helpful to you. If you ever believe that your health was compromised by incompetence or negligence on the part of a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other health care professional, c for a free consultation with an experienced Colorado medical malpractice attorney.
