| 1. | Q. What is required of a physician in order to be board certified? |
| A. The requirements of the boards vary. Generally, the boards require paticular schooling, experience and successful completion of a written examination. If you would like to see those specifics, log on to www.abms.org. |
|
| 2. | Q. Why should I consider a board certified physician as opposed to non-board certified physician. |
| A. The selection of a physician is a personal matter. Some patients feel more secure with a physician who has been recognized as having special ability and/or qualifications, especially when the medical condition is serious, long term or life threatening. |
|
| 3. | Q. Is there a requirement that the physician recertify? |
| A. The requirements of the various board vary but generally recertification is required from seven to ten years and completion of a written exam is required with all boards. |
|
| 4. | Q. Where are the twenty-four boards located? |
| A. They are located throughout the U.S. You can obtain the addresses and telephone numbers at www.abms.org |
|
| 5. | Q. Can a physician be specialized in more than one specialty? |
| A. Yes |
|
| 6. | Q. Are there boards that do not issue subspecialities? |
| A. Yes. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Nuclear Medicine, Opthalmology, Thoracic Surgery and Urology did not issue subspecialty certificates at this time. |
