Renowned Surgeon Offers Tips On How To Spot An Unqualified Doctor

In light of the recent arrest of a Texas midwife accused of performing illegal abortions without a medical license, many patients are asking an important question: How can I be sure my healthcare provider is qualified and practicing legally?

Dr. Greg Marchand, a dual board-certified expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), is sharing practical advice to help patients verify that they are receiving care from licensed and ethical professionals.

Marchand advises patients to be on the lookout for certain red flags, and to verify a healthcare provider’s credentials.

“Providers who make broad, sweeping claims like ‘this treatment works for everyone’ or insist on payment by subscription could be operating unethically or illegally,” he says.

“Patients should never hesitate to check a provider’s license or board certification. If a doctor isnt board certified, there’s often a significant reason for it,” Marchand says. “Ideally, patients should select a board-certified physician as the first step in ensuring quality care. Patients should also see if that provider is in their insurance network and if they have experience treating any specific conditions as needed.”

After selecting a provider, if anything feels off, Marchand says patients should not hesitate to report concerns.

“If patients suspect fraud or that a provider is unqualified, they should file a complaint with their state medical board or, if necessary, law enforcement,” Marchand says.

Marchand was the first surgeon in the U.S. to receive the “Master Surgeon” designation from the Surgical Review Corporation for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. He recently set a world record for performing a total laparoscopic hysterectomy through the smallest incision ever, and was previously recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for removing a 7-pound uterus without resorting to laparotomy.

In an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, taking a few extra steps to verify your providers qualifications could make all the difference.