My physician is “Board certified.” What does that mean?

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When you see the term “Board certification”, it indicates a physician has received the highest level of certification, the “gold standard”, for medical specialization in the United States.  Seeking the certification is a voluntary process and is one way physicians demonstrate their commitment to the highest level of quality care.

That said, certification is distinctly different from being licensed to practice medicine, a function regulated by state government.  A valid medical license is required to be Board certified, but certification is not necessary to have a license.  In order to attain Board certification, a physician must meet certain standards and pass tests developed to assure the public that he or she has been adequately trained in a given specialty.  Further, Board certification sets a physician apart as a recognized specialist in the eyes of patients, hospitals, employers and insurers.  Both Dr. Kevin Terefenko and Dr. James Shaffer are certified by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

To your wellness,
AJRC

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