Medical Board Is Looking for Expert Physician Reviewers
[Posted 10/06/05]

The Medical Board of California is currently seeking physicians to review complaints and investigate allegations of substandard care. CMA strongly encourages its members to get involved, as it is critically important for conscientious physicians to participate in this process.

The medical board is seeking assistance in two areas of its investigative process. Physician “consultants” review incoming complaints and medical records and play a key role in determining whether a formal investigation is necessary. These physician consultants are paid $75 an hour and are not required to testify in court.

Approximately 30 percent of all complaints are forwarded for formal investigation. In cases where a formal investigation is warranted, the board uses “expert reviewers” to examine case materials and provide written opinions on the standard of care provided. These expert physicians must be willing to testify in court and are paid $100 an hour for record review and $200 an hour for trial preparation and testimony.

For information on becoming a physician “consultant,” contact Susan Cady, 818/551-2129 or scady@medbd.ca.gov. Physicians interested in becoming “expert reviewers” can contact Susan Goetzinger, 916/263-2424 or at sgoetzinger@medbd.ca.gov.