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  #1  
Old 10-22-2009, 03:37 PM
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Need malpractice info on my doctor

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa
Can anyone tell me where I can get FREE court case information on a certain doctor in Iowa? Every site I've been on ends up charging for information that I KNOW is public knowledge. Before I have another surgery, I would like to know how this doctor "rates." I'm aware that nearly every doctor has had someone who has tried to sue them for malpractice but I'm also aware that one must be proactive in their health care these days. I just want to know as much as I can about my doctor before I give him the OK to cut me open. Thanks for any info you can provide!!!
  #2  
Old 10-22-2009, 03:48 PM
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Location: Montana
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Check with your state medical board. They usually do not charge you, but you may get very limited information.

And just looking at a doctors credentials/history does not guarantee you will receive high quality health care. Your best bet is to ask the doctor him/herself, and get others' opinions via word of mouth.
  #3  
Old 10-22-2009, 04:32 PM
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Thanks but I don't know anyone who has been a patient of this doctor and because of doctor/patient confidentiality, I won't be able to find out. He's a specialist, 2 hours away. Also, what should I ask the doctor? Just point-blank ask..."Have you ever been sued for malpractice?" and will the doctor be honest?
  #4  
Old 10-22-2009, 07:38 PM
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Do an Google search on how to interview a doctor. This is a legal forum, so medical advice should be sought elsewhere.

I'll leave you with this though...often times by just visiting the doctor's office, talking to his staff, and speaking to the doctor himself, you will know if he is the right doctor for you. Personally, I would not ask if he's ever been sued, because he may become uncomfortable and refuse to treat you (and he has the legal right to do so).
  #5  
Old 10-23-2009, 02:12 AM
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Send a message via AIM to barry1817

medical

Quote:
Originally Posted by asil8170 View Post
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa
Can anyone tell me where I can get FREE court case information on a certain doctor in Iowa? Every site I've been on ends up charging for information that I KNOW is public knowledge. Before I have another surgery, I would like to know how this doctor "rates." I'm aware that nearly every doctor has had someone who has tried to sue them for malpractice but I'm also aware that one must be proactive in their health care these days. I just want to know as much as I can about my doctor before I give him the OK to cut me open. Thanks for any info you can provide!!!

Medical board should have a listing that would include license, whether active or not, and any disciplinary actions taken against him. That would be a start.

You could also find out which hospital he works out of and ask the administration about disciplinary action, and if his ability to work at the hospital has ever been in question.
  #6  
Old 10-23-2009, 06:41 PM
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Thanks barry! I totally overlooked the obvious. lol

As for asking medical advice...sorry, but I really wasn't. I thought maybe someone here might know how to access court (legal) records without having to fork over a bunch of money to places like Intellus. This doctor works in a large portion of the midwest and I was hoping to avoid searching through hundreds of counties' court files. Excuse me if I'm wrong but I don't believe that that is asking for medical advice.
  #7  
Old 10-23-2009, 06:48 PM
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It's precisely because of the amount of work entailed that the services which have done the work for you are not free. Get it?
__________________
Lawsuits are not about justice. They are about MONEY. If you don't want money, then you shouldn't be thinking about suing. And people post here because they are thinking about suing. Because they want money, no matter how much they don't want to admit that to themselves.

-Auto insurance adjuster for 2 years - as of 6/15/09, I am FREE!
  #8  
Old 10-23-2009, 07:04 PM
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But...if all court cases (except those "closed" by the cout) are supposed to be "public knowledge," I thought that there might be a website, for each state that this doctor is licensed in, where I might find records of any malpractice lawsuits. I don't mind the "finger" work, I just was trying to avoid the "footwork." I just had back surgery and I'm still fairly restricted.

Yes...had one surgery and am facing another. Fun, huh?
  #9  
Old 10-23-2009, 07:10 PM
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You'd have to check the website (if there is one) for each county. And that would probably only have records of suits which actually went to trial, whereas most malpractice claims are settled out of court.
__________________
Lawsuits are not about justice. They are about MONEY. If you don't want money, then you shouldn't be thinking about suing. And people post here because they are thinking about suing. Because they want money, no matter how much they don't want to admit that to themselves.

-Auto insurance adjuster for 2 years - as of 6/15/09, I am FREE!
  #10  
Old 10-23-2009, 07:13 PM
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Is it only cases that actually went to trial or just filed?
  #11  
Old 10-23-2009, 07:17 PM
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I'm not entirely sure, and it may depend on the county. But they might not keep cases which were filed but later withdrawn in their active database. You might only be able to search for cases which were either adjudicated, or which are still open/pending.
__________________
Lawsuits are not about justice. They are about MONEY. If you don't want money, then you shouldn't be thinking about suing. And people post here because they are thinking about suing. Because they want money, no matter how much they don't want to admit that to themselves.

-Auto insurance adjuster for 2 years - as of 6/15/09, I am FREE!
  #12  
Old 10-23-2009, 07:34 PM
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So, there is no STATE website? or would that only give info for cases that went to the State Supreme Cout? I was just hoping that there was a place that might have an accumulation of all court records from all of one state's counties.
  #13  
Old 10-23-2009, 07:40 PM
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So, there is no STATE website? or would that only give info for cases that went to the State Supreme Cout? I was just hoping that there was a place that might have an accumulation of all court records from all of one state's counties.
  #14  
Old 10-23-2009, 08:15 PM
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Not free ones. Any state court sites would only have info for state-level cases. People who compile the kind of info you're asking for do a lot of work and so don't give it away for free.
__________________
Lawsuits are not about justice. They are about MONEY. If you don't want money, then you shouldn't be thinking about suing. And people post here because they are thinking about suing. Because they want money, no matter how much they don't want to admit that to themselves.

-Auto insurance adjuster for 2 years - as of 6/15/09, I am FREE!
  #15  
Old 10-23-2009, 09:29 PM
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Posts: 138
OK. At least I have a place to start. Thanks for your help, time, knowledge and willingness to provide info for others.
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