About SurgeonScout
We believe patients deserve complete transparency when choosing a plastic surgeon. SurgeonScout aggregates publicly available data so consumers can make truly informed decisions.
Our Mission
The plastic surgery industry has a transparency problem. Patients often encounter marketing language like "board-certified" without understanding that this may refer to a board entirely unrelated to plastic surgery. Disciplinary actions and malpractice settlements are public record but buried in state databases that are difficult to navigate.
SurgeonScout was built to change that. We are a consumer-first information aggregator — similar to how Zillow aggregates real estate data or CarFax aggregates vehicle history — but for plastic surgeons. We pull from authoritative public sources, present the data clearly, and let consumers draw their own conclusions.
We do not accept paid placements. We do not allow surgeons to remove accurate public information from their profiles. We do not provide medical advice. We provide information.
Legal Framework & Aggregator Model
We Are an Aggregator, Not a Publisher
SurgeonScout operates under the same legal principles as other consumer information aggregators. All data displayed on this platform is sourced from publicly available government records and third-party platforms. We do not create, fabricate, or modify any data. We organize and present existing public information in a consumer-friendly format.
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act
As an aggregator and organizer of third-party information, SurgeonScout benefits from protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (47 U.S.C. § 230), which provides immunity to online platforms for content provided by third parties. The data we display originates from government agencies, medical boards, and review platforms — not from SurgeonScout.
First Amendment & Public Interest
The republication of public records — including medical board disciplinary actions, license status, and malpractice history — is protected speech under the First Amendment. Courts have consistently held that republishing truthful public records serves a legitimate public interest. Our platform serves the public interest by making this information more accessible to consumers.
We Cannot Remove Accurate Public Data
Because all data on SurgeonScout originates from public records, we are not in a position to remove accurate information at a surgeon's request. Doing so would defeat the consumer protection purpose of this platform. Surgeons who believe information is inaccurate should contact the originating source (e.g., their state medical board) to correct the record. If a correction is made at the source, we will update our profile accordingly.
Important Disclaimer
SurgeonScout is not a medical organization and does not provide medical advice. Information on this site is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed medical professional and verify credentials directly with the relevant licensing authority before making any medical decisions.
Our Data Sources
State Medical Boards (All 50 States)
GovernmentLicense status, disciplinary actions, probation orders, revocations, and administrative actions. All publicly accessible via each state's medical board website.
Verify DirectlyNPI Registry (CMS)
GovernmentThe National Provider Identifier registry maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Contains provider type, specialty, and practice location.
Verify DirectlyAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
ProfessionalThe only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to certify plastic surgeons. Verification is publicly available.
Verify DirectlyFederation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
ProfessionalPhysician Data Center provides aggregated disciplinary and licensure data across all state medical boards.
Verify DirectlyHealthgrades
Review PlatformPatient reviews, ratings, and additional credential information. Publicly accessible consumer review platform.
Verify DirectlyRealSelf
Review PlatformCosmetic surgery-specific review platform with detailed patient experience reports and before/after documentation.
Verify DirectlyTrust Score Methodology
The SurgeonScout Trust Score (0–100) is a composite metric calculated from publicly available data. It is designed to help consumers quickly assess a surgeon's overall profile, not to replace thorough individual research.
ABPS Board Certification
Full 30 points if ABPS-certified. Partial credit for other recognized boards. 0 points if no board certification.
Disciplinary History
Full 25 points if no actions on record. Deductions for each action, with larger deductions for unresolved actions.
Malpractice Record
Full 20 points if no claims. Deductions based on number and recency of claims.
Patient Review Rating
Scaled from average rating across all platforms. 5.0 = 15 points, 4.0 = 12 points, etc.
Years of Experience
Scaled from years in practice. 20+ years = 10 points. Minimum 2 years for any points.
DMCA & Correction Policy
SurgeonScout respects intellectual property rights. If you believe that content on this site infringes your copyright, please contact us with a DMCA takedown notice including: (1) identification of the copyrighted work, (2) identification of the allegedly infringing material, (3) your contact information, (4) a statement of good faith belief, and (5) a statement of accuracy under penalty of perjury.
Factual Corrections: If you are a licensed medical professional and believe that factual information in your profile is inaccurate, please contact us with documentation from the originating source (e.g., your state medical board). We will review and update the information if the correction is substantiated by the primary source.
Note: We do not remove accurate public information at the request of the subject of that information. Requests to remove accurate disciplinary records, malpractice history, or license status information will not be honored.