One of the most important questions you can ask when seeking medical treatment would be: Is my doctor board certified? Knowing this answer can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Every state requires professional licensing and education to practice medicine. Since the American standards for practicing medicine are high, in general, doctors are legally able to perform a wide variety of medical procedures and surgeries without being board certified for a specialty. However, patients should require more specialized credentials and seek board certified doctors when it comes to specific treatments.
In fact, the medical field has moved toward more specialized treatment in recent decades. Statistics reveal that medical and surgical complications decrease with increases in the doctor’s specialized skill and patient volume. This is where board certification has a major impact.
State licensing recognizes the completion of a baseline medical education. This regulates consistency in teaching at medical schools around the world that train doctors for practice in the United States.
Board certification takes credentialing to the next level. These accreditations are granted by established organizations that recognize specialties and subspecialties. Board certifications have stringent requirements such as supplemental education, specialized residency, supervisor endorsements, and additional examinations. They recognize a professional’s exceptional expertise in a particular area of medicine. Board certification is voluntary, but it does demonstrate a doctor’s commitment to attaining the highest levels of excellence in their chosen specialty.
The most notable website to search for accreditation is Certification Matters provided by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which offers free, transparent, and inclusive public searches. This website can be used to search for a doctor by name or to find specialized board certified doctors in your area.
Why are board certified doctors important?
Advances in medical technology have opened the door for general practitioners to offer specialized care. This can have serious consequences. One such recent advancement has been in the treatment of varicose veins. While treatment required invasive surgery less than a decade ago, it can now be treated through an outpatient procedure in most cases.
The potential problem depends upon the skill level and experience of the doctor performing the procedure. A doctor not specialized as a vascular surgeon may steer patients in the direction of treatment for which they feel most comfortable. However, a board certified doctor or vascular surgeon, are more familiar with a wider range of medical treatment options. They are also better prepared to handle any complications which may arise.
Patients today have more access to information than ever before. A well-informed patient usually seeks a second opinion, especially if the first opinion is not from a specialist. Beware that every specialist is not necessarily board certified. For the best results, seek the medical opinions of board certified doctors within the specialty that you need. Consultation and treatment for varicose veins from a “board certified vascular surgeon” provides patients with the highest level of care available.
Those in Inland Empire, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, and surrounding areas of California should contact Empire Vein Specialists, the area’s top vascular treatment center. The highly regarded medical staff features board-certified vascular surgeons and 5-star customer reviews. To schedule a free consultation, call 1-800-VARICOSE now.