Department of Insurance in your state. They should have a listing of all the closed claims and you should be able to check to see if your PS had any claims filed against him. If you find the website for your state's Dept. of Ins. You can also hire a private investigator, since they know exactly where to find information. Department of Professional Regulations can check for any pending claims.
Many people discuss their experience with their doctors.
You can do a search on a doctor's name or ask on the forum if anyone had seen that surgeon. Here's an example of a doctor you want to stay away from. If your state is not listed, please check the search engines or your state's website. Florida Report on Discipline and Malpractice -Doctors disciplined by state boards. Licensure South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners Texas State Board of Medical Examiners Utah Division of Professional Licensure Vermont Medical Board Home Page Virginia Department of Health -Actions taken against physicians.