How do I check a doctor?

Where is the public record?

A doctor’s current licence status and any public board action over a concern are published by state medical boards.

A licence is permission to practise. Discipline means the board has taken action over a concern.

The Federation of State Medical Boards links readers to state and territorial boards through its directory.

Use that directory to reach the relevant board. Search the full name and check that the record belongs to the person you were told about.

Which state matters for a remote visit?

US guidance in September 2026 said the doctor must hold a licence or other state permission covering the state you occupy for a remote appointment.

Your state sets the rule about that permission. Limited exceptions can include a doctor advising another doctor or following up with an existing patient who is travelling.

Write down your planned location for the visit. Ask which licence or state permission covers that location.

Does a clean record settle the choice?

A record with no public board action does not rate the doctor’s skill or the quality of the proposed care.

In some states, different kinds of doctors come under different boards. Checking a single board could therefore miss a doctor’s record.

If the name will not match, ask the doctor which board holds the record and which name appears there. Leave the check open until the mismatch is explained.