If you or a loved one was harmed during medical treatment in Georgia, it’s normal to wonder whether the doctor involved has been accused of malpractice before. Doing a little homework can help you feel more confident about next steps, whether that means switching providers, getting a second opinion, or exploring a possible claim.
Here are practical ways to research a physician’s professional record.
Check the Georgia Composite Medical Board Website
A good starting point is the Georgia Composite Medical Board, which licenses and regulates physicians across the state. The board’s website lets you look up doctors by name. Depending on the profile, you may be able to see:
- License status and expiration date
- Specialty information and board certifications
- Public disciplinary actions
- Consent orders or restrictions
- Reprimands, probation, suspensions, or revocations
If the board took public action, it’s often documented in an order you can read. Just keep in mind that malpractice lawsuits and board discipline are not the same thing. The board focuses on licensing and professional conduct, while lawsuits focus on whether a patient was harmed by negligence.
Learn What the National Practitioner Data Bank Tracks
The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is a federal repository that tracks certain adverse actions and malpractice payments. Hospitals, insurers, and licensing boards can access detailed reports.
Patients generally cannot search the NPDB for individual doctors. Still, it’s helpful to know it exists because many malpractice payments and major actions are reported there. If a case resulted in a payment, it may appear in the NPDB, but a payment does not automatically mean the doctor admitted fault.
Many claims settle for practical reasons, including risk and litigation costs.
Review Georgia Court Records
Because medical malpractice claims are civil lawsuits, they are filed in court and become public record.
To look for cases, you can search civil filings in the county where the treatment occurred or where the doctor practices. Some counties provide online access, while others may require an in-person request.
Court records can show:
- Whether a malpractice lawsuit was filed
- The general allegations in the complaint
- Major filings and motions
- Whether the case was dismissed, settled, or tried
A lawsuit is still an allegation, not proof. Some cases are dismissed, and many resolve without a court deciding who was right, but court filings can provide useful context, especially if multiple cases raise similar concerns.
Confirm Credentials and Hospital Affiliations
Many hospitals and health systems publish physician profiles that list a doctor’s:
- Education and training
- Board certifications
- Areas of practice
- Hospital privileges or affiliations
These profiles are usually promotional, so they won’t highlight negative history. Still, they can help you confirm basic information and verify where the doctor treats patients. If a doctor’s affiliations have changed recently, that may be worth noting and discussing with a new provider.
Use Online Reviews, but Don’t Rely on Them
Online reviews can be useful for understanding a doctor’s communication style, office experience, and bedside manner. They are not a reliable way to assess malpractice history. Reviews are subjective and can reflect frustration about scheduling or billing rather than the quality of care.
That said, repeated complaints about the same issue — like failure to return calls, rushed visits, or poor follow-up — can be a signal to ask more questions and consider another opinion.
Understand What Medical Malpractice Usually Means in Georgia
A bad result doesn’t always mean malpractice. Even when a doctor does everything right, complications can happen.
In general terms, a malpractice claim involves a provider failing to meet the accepted standard of care and causing harm as a result. Proving that typically requires:
- A doctor-patient relationship
- A breach of the standard of care
- A connection between that breach and the injury
- Damages, such as medical costs, lost income, or other losses
Georgia also has strict procedural rules for filing, including an expert affidavit requirement in many cases. That’s one reason why it helps to speak with someone who handles these cases regularly.
Consider Filing a Complaint if You’re Concerned
If you believe a doctor acted in a way that was unsafe or unethical, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Composite Medical Board. The board may investigate depending on the facts.
Sometimes an investigation ends with no public action. Other times it may result in discipline. Either way, a complaint is generally focused on professional oversight — it is not the same as pursuing compensation through a claim.
Contact the Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for Help
Medical negligence cases are complex and highly fact-specific. If you need help with your case, Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers is here for you. Contact our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346