Is your physician Board Certified or is he or she only licensed? If you are like most Americans, it’s unlikely that you know the difference between these different designations. Today we will clear up any confusion between these varying titles that a doctor may have so that you may make the best medical decisions for your health.

A Licensed Doctor, a Board Certified Doctor or Both?
In order to practice medicine in the United States, an individual must be licensed by the state or states in which he or she works. Being licensed simply means that the doctor has attended and graduated from medical school and that they have been granted a license. It does not give you any insight as to what the physician may specialize in.

The next title that you may come across is “board eligible.” A doctor who is considered to be “board eligible” has completed his or her residency in a medical specialty or sub-specialty, but has not yet passed the board certification test. This may be because the physician:

1. Has not yet taken the test; or
2. Has failed the test.

It is important that individuals understand that a “board eligible” doctor is not the same as a “Board Certified” doctor. It is quite possible for a physician to continue to advertize his or her self as being “board eligible” in a particular specialty for years and years despite failing the test to become Board Certified.

Doctors who are Board Certified have voluntarily met additional standards that go beyond basic licensing. These physicians are experts in one or more fields. Before a doctor can become Board Certified, they must complete three to five years of full-time experience in an accredited residency training program and pass a written and oral examination.

Maintaining Board Certification as a Physician
A doctor is not given board certification for life. He or she must continually maintain his or her certification by actively keeping up with the latest advancements in his or her specialty. The doctor must also continue to demonstrate test practices in patient safety, patient communication and ethics.

How to Check if You Doctor Is Board Certified
Those seeking a Board Certified doctor can easily do so through the American Board of Medical Specialties website. You also have the option to make a toll-free call to the board at 1-866-ASK-ABMS, and you can request written verification by contacting the Member Board within your doctor’s specialty.

We all tend to trust our doctor’s opinion, but for those facing a tough health care decision, it can be beneficial to obtain a second opinion.

When to Seek a Second Medical Opinion
For everyday health concerns, we have confidence in our family doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan. But for more serious issues, obtaining a second opinion may help you choose a better course of treatment. It can also help one feel more at ease in choosing the treatment plan originally suggested by their first doctor.

A second opinion is a good idea if:

• You are trying to decide if a risky or costly treatment or test is right for you (such as surgery)
• You are unclear about how the treatment or test will benefit you
• You need more information
• You are unsure about your diagnosis

Obtaining a Second Opinion
Now is not the time to be concerned about hurting the pride or ego of your doctor by asking for a second opinion. Medical professionals are often more than open to patients seeking a second opinion on a diagnosis or course of treatment. Start your search for a second doctor by asking your doctor for the name of another expert in your area with whom he or she does not have a close connection to.

If you do not feel comfortable asking your doctor, ask your local association of physicians and surgeons. They will be able to provide you with a list of local medical professionals who may be able to help.

If you are weighing your options between surgical and non-surgical approaches for treatment, ask your family doctor for the name of a specialist or surgeon who does not currently work with your own specialist or surgeon. They will be able to provide you with an educated second opinion.

Steps to Obtaining a Second Opinion

1. Schedule a Visit.
   Make a plan to see the second physician. Allow yourself to have enough time to arrange for your medical records to arrive at their office prior to your appointment (this may take a week or so).

2. Bring a Notepad
   In order to keep track of the new information provided to you, take notes. If you have any questions before the appointment, be sure to jot them down on your notepad and make sure they are addressed during your appointment.

3. Have the Report Sent to Your Primary Doctor
   Request that the second doctor’s office send the report to you primary doctor. This will help him or her best manage your care.

Many medical professionals from around the country are calling type 2 diabetes the most rampant epidemic of the 21st century. Twenty-nine million individuals in the United States are currently suffering from diabetes and another 86 million are considered to have prediabetes. These are alarming numbers, and they are only continuing to climb.

A Look at the Numbers

A National Diabetes Statistics Report was recently compiled in 2014, shedding light on how prevalent type 2 diabetes is becoming in America:

• The number of Americans with type 2 diabetes has increased from 26 million in 2010 to 29 million in 2012
• 1.7 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2012
• 208,000 people younger than 20 years of age were diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• In 2012, diabetes and its related complications resulted in $245 billion in total medical costs and lost wages

Symptoms of Diabetes

The key to managing diabetes is to treat it as soon as possible, and it all starts with recognizing the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Signs of Diabetes in Adults

Adults suffering from diabetes may experience any of the following:

• Unusual thirst
• An increase in urination frequency
• Notable weight gain or loss
• Lack of energy and fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Slow healing cuts and bruises
• Frequent/recurring infections
• A tingling sensation in the hands or feet
• Troubles getting and/or maintaining an erection

Signs of Diabetes in Children

The majority of children who are diagnosed with diabetes do not have a family history of the disease. This can make it more difficult to detect. These three signs are often a symptom in children of all ages:

• Drinking more frequently and visiting the washroom more often
• Bed wetting
• Lack of energy and fatigue

What Can You Do?

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to seek treatment immediately. Your doctor will test you for diabetes using one of the following tests:

• A fasting blood glucose test
• Random blood glucose
• A1C
• Oral glucose tolerance test

These tests are typically performed twice to ensure accurate results. Your doctor will then be able to work with you to help you control your diabetes and manage it going forward. In many cases, individuals have been able to defeat the disease by making lifestyle changes that include a change of diet and an increase in exercise.