The Best Way to Verify a Doctor's Credentials
February 13, 2026
Not all healthcare providers are equally qualified for every situation. Credential verification — confirming that a provider has the training, licensure, and board certification they claim — is an important step whether you're a patient choosing a new doctor or a healthcare organization doing due diligence.
Step 1: Check the NPPES Registry
Start with the NPPES lookup on DoctorDataHub. Every provider profile shows their credential field (e.g., MD, DO, NP, PA), their primary taxonomy, and their practice information as registered with CMS. This confirms basic identity and specialty but does not verify active state licensure.
Step 2: Verify State Licensure
Each state maintains its own medical board that tracks licensed physicians. State license lookups are typically free and available online through your state medical board's website. This is the authoritative source for whether a provider is currently licensed to practice in your state.
Step 3: Check Board Certification
Board certification is separate from licensure. It indicates that a physician has passed a specialty board examination administered by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The ABMS website offers a free public verification tool.
What NPPES Data Does and Doesn't Tell You
NPPES confirms registration and specialty taxonomy. It does not track disciplinary actions, malpractice history, hospital privileges, or board certification status. Use the NPPES data on DoctorDataHub as your starting point, then layer in state board and ABMS verification for a complete picture.