1) Peer review! This means an article or abstract was submitted to a journal or society and sent out for independent review by experts in the field (usually 4 critics). The outside experts are anonymous. The author does not know where the material is sent.

2) Publications should be given with the specific reference and frequently can be found and verified on the net from the source.

3) With new surgical techniques it is important to have a surgeon with experience. If a doctor truly has considerable experience in a new field, then there should be peer reviewed publications indicating this.

4) The doctor has been credentialed and is presently on staff to work at an excellent hospital. The top hospitals are strict about admission to the staff.

5) "Board certified". Board certification (by the American Board) in the particular field of expertise, i.e. neurosurgery, means a lengthy training program has been completed and stringent criteria have been met. Call the board and ask if the doctor is indeed board certified.