There are many different kinds of websites and applications that can help you learn more about a doctor before you commit to becoming his or her patient.
Once you have learned about the precautionary measures you must take when exploring these possibilities, then begin some of your research and exploration at any of these types of sites:
Physician Directories
These sites simply list the basic facts about a doctor, and are available in many places. You can find information about the doctor's education, experience, practice locations and sometimes, some of the basics of disciplinary actions. You will not find enough details about malpractice here, nor will you find other patients' opinions. You may want to check out reviews of physician directories.
Board Certification Sites
These sites, such as the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Osteopathic Association, will tell you more about the education and training a doctor has -- important information for learning about her capabilities to help you.
Physician Ratings and Rankings Sites
These sites have developed algorithms to describe a doctor's competency, and may include patients' opinions or other forms of mathematical ranking. Some can be helpful, others not so much. Learn more about how to use physician ratings and rankings sites.
Doctors' Personal Websites
Find information about phone numbers, office hours, specialty, or locations at these sites, but remember than any other information you find is simply promotional in nature. These sites are intended to sell you on making an appointment, not to give you objective information about a doctor's capability to help you.
Social Media and Networking
You might find a glimpse into a potential doctor's attitudes and personality by doing a little digging through social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.
Doctors' Blogs or White Papers
Similar to other kinds of social media sites and applications, you can actually learn quite a bit about whether a doctor is invested in his or her patients, or has specialized interests within his field, or is bored or angry or showcases any other personality traits by finding something a doctor writes by him or herself online. Some examples: chiropractor, Dr. Tim's blog, Dr. Rob's Distractible blog, or a blog by Kevin MD, an internist.
Many doctors with specialized interests publish books or academic white papers about research they are doing. You can learn more about whether your chosen doctor publishes or blogs by doing searches similar to the way you can find malpractice information.
Government-source Licensing and Experience Sites
These sites are found on state health or insurance department websites, and provide you with licensing information. You'll know if a doctor is practicing within his licensed area, and you may find some additional information about disciplinary actions. The ability of each state to keep this information updated varies. Further, some states require the doctors themselves to keep it updated, rendering the information practically useless in those states for anything more than the basics of medical school graduation dates or whether or not a doctor is board certified.
Personal Health Advice Sites (diagnostic or treatment advice)
Found a site where you can talk to a "live doctor?" Be careful.
Some of these sites are offered by your insurance company, or an advocacy group you might have an established relationship with. As long as they have access to your medical records and you have engaged in a direct relationship with them, then contacting them to ask questions will work just fine.
Unforunately, may other "ask a doctor" websites are at least worthless, and at the most, dangerous. Learn more about why you need to avoid them.
What About Malpractice Information?
It's important to know whether a doctor has been charged with, or found guilty of malpractice -- with many caveats. That information will not be completely available on any of the sites listed above. Learn more about finding malpractice information or study headlines about arrest records and conflicts of interest before you choose the doctor you will work with.
