This message is being cross-posted to multiple lists,  I apologize for any inconvenience.

I thought you would be interested in knowing about an important new health-related information/research service and WEB site that is being developed specifically for consumers.

The Medi-Net research service and WEBsite ( http://www.askmedi.com )  are the result of over 2 years of  intense work compiling information on all the physicians in the United States.

Now,  for the first time,  American consumers have a way to quickly and conveniently screen their physicians for evidence of any past disciplinary actions taken against them nationwide,  and at the same time verify their physician's educational background,  residency information,  board specialty certifications and licensing information .   All of this in a few minutes,  and with just one call.

The Medi-Net physician database was developed under the supervision of Dr. Nicholas J. Soldo,  Chairman Emeritus of the Arizona State Board of Medical Examiners and a Medi-Net Co-founder.   
 
Frustrated by what he saw as the medical board's inability to adequately inform the public about incompetent  physicians that still continued to practice nationwide,  Dr. Soldo saw the need for the creation of a central repository of this vital information about physicians that would be accessible to the public to assist them in making truly informed choices when choosing a physician.    

The Medi-Net database culminates years of work by Dr. Soldo and many others.  It is the only database of  its kind in the United States that's accessible to you, the consumer.  

The database contains informaltion on EVERY physician licensed to practice medicine in the United States,  and draws from information gathered from national medical associations, state medical boards and governmental regulatory agencies throughout the U.S..  

The Medi-Net WEB site will also soon offer a wide variety of free consumer health related information covering topics of interest ranging from disease states to vital information on insurance and health maintenance organizations.

The Medi-Net disciplinary database will not be offered on CD-ROM or on-line.   The content of the database being too sensitive, and also, to keep it current, the database needs to be updated weekly.   

To check on your physician's background you should either call us at 1-888-ASK-MEDI  (1-888-275-6334)  or  1-800-972-MEDI  (1-800-972-6334)  

The fee to run a background check on a physician is $15.  Ask about discounts for screening more than one physician per call.   Payment by credit card or by check.   Your report will either be mailed or FAXed to you the same day, with initial results availible immediately while you're on the phone.

Because we are still in the initial stages of developing the informational content of our WEB services,  we will greatly value any input or criticism you,  the consumer,  can contribute.   Please bring to our attention any topics or types of information you feel is lacking, or consider vital.    We also want to know how we might improve on our service and its delivery to you, the consumer.     Please send any feedback directly to me at the E-mail address listed below. 

This service is in no way supported by any physician organization, insurance company or health maintenance organization. 

All consumer inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

Please feel free to visit our WEB site,  and if  you have any questions or comments please e-mail me at   [log in to unmask]

Thank you very much.


Richard Bennett Schiff
Director of Medical Information
Medi-Net
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