Finding a Dr's History

[boilermaker]

Due to some problems I had with my previous OB, I am in the search for a new doctor. I have some recommendations from friends, but I was wondering if there was a way to check on the history of the 3 I am considering. I'd prefer not to have to pay for the information if possible. I have tried the wesite for the OH state medical board but it only lets you file complaints, not look at previously filed ones. Does anyone know of a way to do this?

[lawyerlee]

Your best bet would be to call them, tell them what you're looking for, and ask what you need to do to get access. It might be time consuming, but would be worth it for peace of mind that your new doctor either hasn't faced any complaints or at least hasn't faced any legitimate complaints.

[boilermaker]

Thanks lawyerlee. I have a whole list of questions for when I interview the dr, so I can just add it to that. I do know there are no formal actions/complaints against any of the 3, but there was nothing against my previous dr either and I feel like she totally failed me. Of course, I also don't think I have ground to lodge a formal complaint either, so it's a catch 22 right.

[MichelleRenee]

Good luck finding a new one. While I enjoyed my birth experience overall I was not very happy with her comments while I was in labor or the practice in general. I am switching as well.

I wish there was a way to get the history of a doctor direct from their patients. That is truly the best source. It is very difficult to choose a dr just from a list of names without any further information. FTR, when we had problems with our PCP we chose our new one on the recommendation of a family member and we couldn't be happier.

[bluebunny]

I imagine it would be hard to get the info you want unless you could poll current and former patients. Unless a formal complaint is logged, there probably isn't a way to find out a doctor's history.

Also, as you probably know, what people think of doctors is so subjective. I wanted a natural, intervention-free birth and I left one practice because I didn't like their approach. My friend, by contrast, LOVES that same practice because the doctors think a woman shouldn't have to feel any pain in order to have a baby. She's all about "give me the epidural in the parking lot" approach to having a baby. She thinks the doctors in that practice are awesome. You might be better off finding people who have similar thoughts on childbirth and then ask who they use as an OB.

BTW, I think it is so cool that your DD was born on your anniversary! :)

[boilermaker]

Michelle, I have gotten some recommendations from others in the area if you need one. I may switch to Akron though, I haven't decided yet (though I loved the treatment at the hospital, that is the only thing making me think about it).

Bluebunny, you are totally right about it being subjective. What I find ironic is that since giving birth, I have found 4 people (5 if you count Michelle) who had that dr for kid #1 and did not return to her. I wish I had found those people a year ago and switched then! And yes, DD was the best anniverary gift I could have hoped for! A true testament to our marriage :)

[carrie9142]

The only things I could think of were:
-talking to patients for their opinions. You could poll the waiting room!
-finding out where he/she went for med school and residency. That won't tell you much about personality, but you can get an idea on how well they did/things they valued by researching different residencies.
-there are a few sites like http://ratemds.com/ that people use to write about their doctors. Obviously, this is dependent on people actually writing up their MDs.

[jennylou]

From carrie's link, here's the link to OBs in Ohio:
http://ratemds.com/filecache/SelectDoctor.jsp?sid=36&orderby=DSpecialty&letter=Obstetrics%20/%20Gynecology

[MichelleRenee]

Well she technically wasn't my dr, but since he was on vacation she delivered DS. Her comments were enough to make me want to leave the practice altogether so there is not chance I will have to see her again.

I agree it is very subjective. I definitely consider the person I am talking to when looking for a referral. I have a friend who I really wouldn't trust when it comes to her opinion on dr's, but I have a SIL whose opinion I would trust any day on stuff like that.

Carrie: if you could just send me the names that would be great. I would rather stay with the same hospital but I have to consider my insurance and the fact that I am looking for a practice with a different attitude towards pregnant women. If I end up in Akron, so be it.

ETA: when I read reviews on stuff like this I certainly look for specifics. If someone writes "my doctor bwas very nice" that is a lot different than "he was attentive to my needs and was very kind in dealing with my hundreds of questions..."

[boilermaker]

Thanks for that link Carrie and Jen. I'll check it out.

Michelle, I'll PM you with the info. Also, I know Jen and Jody both posted about their OBs in the OH thread.

[NicoleWisconsin]

Try googling their names. See what comes up.

Here's a page:

http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/profiles/obstetrics-gynecology/alphas187.cfm

[carrie9142]

Ohh, googling their names is a good one. A lot of mds have their name on at least some published research. It is a good way to find out what they are interested in/good at/active in that field.

[MrsT]

I agree that asking other patients is probably your best bet however

I wanted a natural, intervention-free birth and I left one practice because I didn't like their approach. My friend, by contrast, LOVES that same practice because the doctors think a woman shouldn't have to feel any pain in order to have a baby.

I had the exact same experience. Never liked my previous OB and should have switched before the birth. I found my new OB by local message boards and parenting groups. Having a natural birth is really important to me and I wanted to have a doctor with the same philosophy. So when his name popped up from a friend, a LLL playgroup member and an API message board, I made an appointment. Yeah, they are strangers, but they all wanted (and got) the same birth that I do. Much more reliable IMO than my friends (who cringed at the thought of no epi or induction...)

[Emilie]

I have to have some surgery done in the next couple of months and I have a recommendation from my doctor for a local surgeon. DH mentioned that he had heard about a website that you can check on a surgeon's record, their stats, success/fail rates, etc. Of course, he cannot remember the site!

Anyone know anything like this?

[boilermaker]

bump

[boilermaker]

Em, I bumped up a thread I started awhile back about something similar. I never did find anything good to use, so let me know if you do.

[tlew12778]

There was an old thread on how to find the best doctors but that does not necessarily include rates. I honestly cannot imagine what organization would collect information that detailed for each doctor. Yes, it's easier to see if they have been sued or tried for negligence or even made some groundbreaking discovery, but on a more quotidian basis? I don't think so.

You can find schooling information and board certification on the AMA website (http://webapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/home.html).

[Emilie]

Thanks Carrie - I merged the two threads, thanks for bumping the other one!