Overview
State medical boards license and, when needed, discipline physicians. HHS OIG also maintains a federal exclusions list. These public records help patients make informed decisions about who provides their care.
When this decision is common: When researching any provider you plan to see, especially specialists and surgeons.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
- 1What does this action code mean?
- 2When did the action occur and is it still in effect?
- 3Has the provider been reinstated?
Factors to consider
- Nature and severity of the action
- Recency of the action
- Whether it is currently active
- Provider's response and remediation
Benefits and risks to discuss
Potential benefits
- Full transparency into a provider's regulatory record
- Confidence in your provider selection
Potential risks
- Old or resolved actions may not reflect current practice
- Absence of a record does not guarantee quality
Checklist
Sign in to save your progress across visits.
Verified sources
Educational reference only. Information on this profile is aggregated from public sources for research and preparation. It is not an endorsement, rating, or recommendation, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.