Check Up On It: American Board of Medical Specialties
Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a not-for-profit organization comprising 24 medical specialty Member Boards, is the pre-eminent entity overseeing the certification of physician specialists in the United States.
The mission of the American Board of Medical Specialties is to serve the public and the medical profession by improving the quality of health care through setting professional standards for lifelong certification in partnership with Member Boards. It is the gold standard in physician credentialing and prompts both the medical community and patients to inquire whether or not a physician is Board certified.
Here are three options to learn if your current doctor or a new doctor you’re considering is Board certified:
- Do an online search here.
- Call the ABMS directly at 1-866-275-2267
- Contact any of the 24 Member Boards here. You can request written verification of Board Certification.
Don’t be fooled by the letters at the beginning or end of a name – not all doctors are trained equally. Protect yourself by making an informed decision before undergoing any medical procedure.
For more articles from Dr. Flagg, click here.
Why Having A Board Certified Doctor Matters was originally published on blackdoctor.org
