Question 1

What is a Physician Assessment Program?

Accepted Answer

A Physician Assessment Program is a structured evaluation of a physician's clinical skills, cognitive function, behavior, or fitness for duty. These programs help determine a physician's ability to practice safely and effectively.

Question 2

Who typically refers physicians for assessment?

Accepted Answer

Referrals may come from:
- State Medical Boards
- Physician Health Programs (PHPs)
- Hospitals or healthcare institutions
- Licensing or credentialing bodies
- Self-referral (in some cases)

Question 3

What does the assessment involve?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the reason for referral, an assessment may include:
- Comprehensive medical knowledge testing
- Clinical skills evaluation
- Cognitive screening or neuropsychological testing
- Physical health and fitness evaluations
- Behavioral health or psychiatric assessments
- Professionalism and communication reviews
- Chart-stimulated recall or peer reviews

Question 4

How long does the assessment process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline varies but generally ranges from 1 to 5 days on-site, followed by a comprehensive written report within 2-4 weeks.

Question 5

Is this a pass/fail test?

Accepted Answer

No. The goal is not to "pass" or "fail" but to identify strengths and areas needing improvement. Recommendations may include further training, accommodations, return to work, or follow-up assessments.

Question 6

Is the assessment confidential?

Accepted Answer

Reports are typically shared only with the referring agency and the physician. However, confidentiality depends on the referral context and state or institutional policies.

Question 7

Will I need to travel for the assessment (onsite vs virtual)? If so, how many days are required for scheduling the assessment?

Accepted Answer

The LifeGuard® Program's assessment process is completed onsite at our LifeGuard® offices. We do have the option to complete some components virtually when they are requested and appropriate.

Question 8

How much does the average assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost is determined by the type of assessment that is required. The assessment cost is discussed with each participant during the initial inquiry call.

Question 9

What do you need from me to get started?

Accepted Answer

Complete the application for the LifeGuard® Program which can be found in the Participant Application tab on our website. Please provide all other requested documentation (Board orders, NPDB report, etc) along with completed documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions