How can you find a treatment center? Accredited programs are peer-reviewed and held to the highest standards of care for patients and professionals. Search for cancer treatment, breast care, bariatric surgery, trauma centers, and other federally funded centers.
In order for a U.S. physician to become board certified in a surgical specialty, they must complete the required years of residency training in that specialty, and then demonstrate their knowledge by successfully completing a rigorous comprehensive examination. Specialty boards certify physicians that meet certain published standards. There are 24 specialty boards that are recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Medical Association (AMA).
A specialist has graduated medical school and received an MD (Medical Doctorate) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). The physician then completes three to eight years of additional training in an accredited residency program. Each specialist must pass a written examination given by a specialty board. Fifteen of the specialty boards also require an oral examination. All of the ABMS Boards issue a time-limited certificate, which are valid for six to 10 years. In order to retain certification, physicians must become recertified and must show continuing education in the specialty. You can review a brief description of the surgical specialty areas our website.
You can check on specialty certification of specific physicians through the ABMS, through the link: “Is Your Doctor Certified.” You will need to register, just follow their directions. After registering, click on “Is Your Doctor Certified” and enter your search information. In addition, verbal verification of a physician’s board certification is available through the ABMS toll-free telephone service. Call: 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267). You can also check verification in The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists.
In Canada, a qualified surgeon attains his or her certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. In addition to setting the highest standards for medical specialty training in Canada, the Royal College verifies that surgeons have meet all the necessary requirements for certification, and produces and administers the certification exams.
To check a Canadian surgeon’s certification, contact: directory@royalcollege.ca.
In most cases, a surgeon who is board- or Royal College-certified, and/or a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons will have certificates verifying these credentials on display in their office. If not, another way is to simply ask the surgeon for his or her credentials. Or you can phone your state or county medical association for assistance.
Your operation should be performed in an accredited hospital, outpatient surgery center, or cancer treatment center. Accreditation means that the hospital or surgical center is committed to providing high-quality health care and that it has demonstrated commitment to meeting high patient-safety standards.
Hospitals are accredited and evaluated by The Joint Commission. A hospital accredited by The Joint Commission means that the hospital has met The Joint Commission's quality and safety standards. You can check to see if a hospital has been accredited by visiting www.qualitycheck.org and entering your search information.
Surgical Centers are accredited and evaluated by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and The Joint Commission. Accreditation by AAAHC is a voluntary process that involves a self-assessment by the organization and a thorough review by expert surveyors. Visit AAAHC to see if your surgical center is accredited. Once you enter the AAAHC website, click the heading “Search for Accredited Organizations” to access find a list of facilities in your area.
