AMA Physician Masterfile

The AMA Physician Masterfile is a comprehensive database maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA). It contains current and historical data on more than 1.4 million physicians, residents, and medical students in the United States. This includes both AMA members and non-members.

History

The AMA Physician Masterfile was established in 1906 to compile biographical and professional information about all physicians in the United States, both living and deceased. The data is collected from medical schools, residency training programs, specialty boards, state licensing agencies, and individual physicians.

Content

The AMA Physician Masterfile includes information such as:

• Education and training
• Specialty and subspecialty
• Certification status
• Licensing information
• Practice setting
• Professional activity status
• Demographics such as age, sex, and race

Use

The AMA Physician Masterfile is used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Health services research
• Medical education planning
• Workforce studies
• Credentialing
• Verification of physician qualifications
• Direct mail marketing by pharmaceutical and medical supply companies

Access

Access to the AMA Physician Masterfile is available to approved users for a fee. The AMA has strict guidelines for the use of its data to protect the privacy of the physicians listed in the Masterfile.

Criticism

Critics of the AMA Physician Masterfile argue that it is not always up-to-date or accurate, and that its use for direct mail marketing raises privacy concerns.

See also

• American Medical Association
• Medical education in the United States
• Medical licensing in the United States