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Frequently Asked Questions for Consumers

Disclaimer: Any and all statements herein should not be construed as official policy or positions of the Georgia Composite Medical Board (Georgia Medical Board). The information is merely provided on our web page by Board staff for general guidance to the citizens of Georgia and users of our web site. No individual staff member is authorized to provide a binding opinion or statement for the full Board. Nothing herein should be construed as legal advice or as a legal opinion for any particular situation. Refer to the Rules and Laws of the Georgia Composite Medical Board and consult an attorney of your choice for clarification.

Can my doctor charge me for a copy of my medical records?

Is there a difference between the Georgia Medical Board and the Georgia Composite Medical Board?

I am considering legal action against my physician; Will the Georgia Medical Board give me a legal opinion on my case?

How do I file a complaint against a doctor or hospital?

How do I find out where a physician carries hospital privileges and other state licenses?

How do I find out if my doctor has ever been sued for malpractice?

What is unprofessional conduct?

What complaints are within the Board's jurisdiction?

What complaints DO NOT fall within the Board's jurisdiction?

What action can the Board take?

Will I be told the status of my complaint?

Do medical records belong to the patient?

How do I obtain a copy of my medical records from my physician or a hospital?

Can my physician terminate my care or discontinue seeing me?

Are complaints and investigations public information?

Is a physician required to have a nurse or someone else present when performing a gynecological examination on a patient? Do I have the right to request a chaperone?

My doctor has a public board order. Does this mean the Georgia Medical Board considers my doctor a "bad" doctor?

My doctor was rude, What should I do?

My doctor is no longer in practice, (or my doctor is deceased). How do I obtain a copy of my medical records under these circumstances?

My insurance company won't pay the bill, now the doctor is billing me! Can the Medical Board stop the doctor from billing me or sending my account to a collection agency?

What are my responsibilities as a health care consumer?

What are the duties and responsibilites of the Georgia Medical Board?

What can the Georgia Medical Board do if I think the doctor has charged me too much?

What does it mean if a physician's license status is listed as Probation, Suspension or Revocation?

What is a Public Board Order? What does it mean?

What is the difference between a D.O and an M.D.? Does Georgia differentiate in the type of license granted to a D.O. and an M.D.?

I need a doctor. Will the Georgia Medical Board refer me to a physician?