Board Certification in Plastic Surgery is one of the most important credentials that patients should look for. Physicians who are board certified in Plastic Surgery have passed full residency training, rigorous written and oral examinations and have the skills to perform surgical procedures and address complications.
However, some doctors claim to be board certified in plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments but have no such medical board accreditation. This can be dangerous for patients.
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Experience
Most importantly, board certification demonstrates that the surgeon has met specific requirements and is proficient in a particular specialty. It also indicates that the physician understands the entire scope of their specialization and can be held to a high standard of ethical practice.
A physician can legally claim to be a plastic surgeon without completing a full plastic surgery residency. Patients must look beyond the superficial and ask a doctor about their background, training, and Board Certification.
A suitable Plastic Surgeon should be proud to discuss their qualifications and be happy to provide references from fellow physicians in the field. Additionally, a board-certified plastic surgeon will know how to respond to any questions or concerns during your treatment. They are also well-trained in addressing potential emergencies during a surgical procedure. This is one of the reasons why a Board Certified plastic surgeon is the safest choice for any surgical procedure.
Board Certification
Many physicians today claim to be plastic surgeons even though they have never completed a full Bellevue plastic surgery residency or passed their board exams. They may not want to put in the time and effort required to complete their training or may have yet to attend medical school at a highly-respected institution.
However, the most crucial factor is whether a physician has board certification and in what specialty they are certified. A doctor can be board-certified in any number of surgical specialties, but it is crucial to know what area the surgeon specializes in before scheduling an appointment.
A surgeon who goes through the trouble of completing their boards in several surgical specialties shows that they take their job seriously and have a detail-oriented attitude towards their practice. These are precisely the traits a patient should look for in their plastic surgeon!
Reputation
Many physicians who advertise themselves as plastic surgeons need more training. They may have earned a medical license by passing state exams or graduating from medical school but still need to complete an ABMS-accredited residency program in plastic surgery. Physicians whose sole specialty is a field like dermatology or general surgery can add cosmetic procedures by simply advertising them as part of their practice and paying for some effective marketing. Hospitals usually grant privileges to physicians who have trained in their field and passed their board examinations, but private surgical centers are free from such oversight.
Patients should ask about the physician’s board certification. Legitimate physicians are proud of their accomplishments and will happily explain the details of their training. Also, they will be able to clearly state which ABMS-member board they have received their certification from and in what field. This information can be verified easily online by the ABMS website. Moreover, it shows that your physician is committed to upholding high standards.
Insurance
Whether you’re undergoing surgery for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, having the best insurance coverage is essential. This will protect you in case any complications arise during or after the procedure and cover any expenses that may come up due to hospitalizations or additional procedures.
A quick online search lets patients know if their surgeon is board certified. Certified people will have the appropriate icons posted on their websites and be members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Be aware that physicians can claim to be board-certified, even if they need the proper training or experience. This can be done with “pseudo boards” that offer a fake appearance of legitimacy. Doctors typically create these organizations and do not have the stringent requirements that ABMS-certified plastic surgeons must meet to obtain certification.
