Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a physician in my area?
On the Msnj web site, the public has access to the unique Physician Finder. This service allows anyone to view a listing of New Jersey physicians, who are members of the medical society, by specialty and geographical location, and it provides an overview of their medical practices and the hospitals in which they have privileges.
What is the difference between an MD and a DO?
Doctors of medicine (MDs, sometimes called allopathic physicians) are the main branch of the medical profession, educated at accredited medical schools in this country or in other countries. They generally receive additional training as residents, pass national medical examinations, and are licensed to practice medicine by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) constitute about a 100-year old branch of the medical profession, educated at accredited osteopathic schools. They receive additional training as interns and as residents and pass their own national examinations, and are licensed by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners for the same scope of practice as MDs, although many dos also perform manipulation.
How do people find out if any disciplinary action has been taken against a physician?
Disciplinary action and malpractice suits are two different things. The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) is the licensing body for physicians. As a result, they can discipline a physician upon investigation of a charge and determination of guilt. You can check the bme web site at www.njdoctorlist.com to look up any licensed physician in the state.
What about malpractice information?
Information on malpractice claims has been compiled by the state and can be found in the state’s Physician Profile web site. Bear in mind that malpractice is decided by a jury or may be settled out of court. It is not decided by a licensing body. Often malpractice suits may be filed because the patient’s outcome expectations were not realistic. Insurance companies may also settle a claim if they deem it less expensive than mounting a defense, even if the physician has done nothing wrong. Malpractice charges and results will also vary widely by geographical locations, type of specialty, number of high-risk cases a particular physician handles, and other factors.
How can I file a complaint against a physician?
Your first option is to call the local medical society (go to county medical societies on this site) to see if the physician is a member. The counties have judicial councils that can hear complaints and recommend appropriate actions.
Your second option is to file a complaint with the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners. Go to the “BME Consumer Guide” at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/medical.htm. This contains guidelines on the proper way to file a complaint.
How can I file a complaint against a person, agency, or organization covered by hipaa that violated my health information privacy rights?
You may file a complaint alleging hipaa violations with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR has the authority to investigate complaints and to enforce HIPAA regulations. Go to the OCR’s web site at: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacyhowtofile.htm.
What is a “Do Not Resuscitate” order?
This important document is a physician’s order or directive addressed to your emergency medical responders indicating the predetermined request by the patient (or the patient’s guardian or surrogate) to withhold CPR and other end-of-life resuscitative treatments once breathing and/or heart beat have ceased. It is the patient’s directive to be allowed to die without emergency
intervention.
For more information on DNR Order please see Outside of the Hospital Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders Guidelines