Ask DrRich

Updated June 08, 2015.

How do I check my doctor's credentials?

DrRich:

My physician has referred me to a cardiologist after administering a treadmill stress test. I have not heard of the cardiologist he has referred me to. Can you tell me how I can best go about checking credentials, etc. Naturally, I don`t want to get caught up in my insurance company deciding who best to care for me.

Thanks, C.

DrRich replies:

Dear C.,

The Cooper Institute has links to several databases on physicians.

Any information on doctors that's available on the Internet (I believe) can be accessed here, including credentials, experience, and whether he/she has been formally disciplined. Check this site:

http://cooperinstitute.org/

and click on the "provider profiler" link.

I hope your problem turns out not to be a serious one.

DrRich