Physician information database available again
Lynn Van Matre, Illinois LifeTimes Editor

Consumers once more have access to a wide range of information about Illinois physicians online, including malpractice judgments against them. The recently reinstated doctor database can be found on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation website at (click on Physician Profile).

The database was launched in 2008 but was taken down in 2010 when it was affected by an Illinois Supreme Court ruling that a medical malpractice reform law was unconstitutional. It was reinstated in October after the Illinois General Assembly passed a new law called the Patients' Right to Know Act.

Consumers can search for a physician by name to find out more about them, including educational background, hospital affiliation, languages spoken, and whether they accept new Medicare and Medicaid patients. Information is also available about malpractice suits, disciplinary actions, convictions, and settlements taking place within the last five years. Consumers also can search for a physician by location or specialty.