In a May 20, 2014 article, The Albany Business Review reported that over 77% of doctors who have had limitations placed on their medical licenses by the New York State Department of Health are still practicing medicine. Incredibly, there is presently no requirement that patients be informed that their physician is practicing after being sanctioned or having limitations placed on their license.
The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) is urging lawmakers to require that healthcare facilities post information on how patients can access information about their doctors. What most patients don’t know is that a doctors’ profile, licensure status and other details are available on a state website, where a patient can find information about a doctor’s education, license status and malpractice history, among other information.
Patients are consumers of medical services, and are entitled to know if the doctor they are going to entrust with their medical care is competent. Fortunately, there are resources available for patients to do their due diligence, and patients should take advantage of them.
Like in any profession, there are great doctors and doctors who probably shouldn’t be practicing. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out about the doctors providing medical care for you and your family. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to have an experienced attorney representing you. At the Law Firm of Andrew R. Leder, we have over twenty years of experience representing clients in medical malpractice cases, and we will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 516-213-5000 to schedule a free consultation at our office in Rockville Centre, New York.