Top Doctors Methodology
First, the bad news: Indiana ranks 41st on the United Health Foundation’s list of healthiest states. We’re living proof that taking care of oneself isn’t easy, despite good intentions. But on a positive note, you’re holding a directory of the city’s best-qualified doctors, and they are happy to help. Indianapolis Monthly’s annual Top Doctors list answers the burning question, Which specialists do doctors turn to for their medical treatment?
Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research and information company, compiled this year’s honorees by asking physicians to recommend someone they would see themselves or suggest to a family member in Central Indiana. The result: nearly 800 licensed medical professionals in the area representing 62 specialties and hundreds of expertises.
Castle Connolly was founded in 1991 by a former medical college board chair and president to help identify America’s top doctors and hospitals. Its established survey and research process solicits recommendations from tens of thousands of licensed doctors and the medical leadership of prominent hospitals. Nominations come from physicians nationwide who excel in academic medicine and research as well as standout patient care, covering the gamut of specialties; however, the survey does not include fields in which patients rarely have a choice, such as emergency medicine or anesthesiology. Under the direction of an MD, Castle Connolly’s research team then evaluates the nominations and screens doctors’ educational and professional experience before making its final selections. This year’s list for Indianapolis Monthly considered physicians in Marion, Hamilton, Madison, Boone, Johnson, Hendricks, Hancock, Morgan, and Shelby counties. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be considered for Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors designation. The nomination process can be accessed online here.
Physicians selected for inclusion in this feature may also appear as Regional Top Doctors online or in one of Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors paperback guides, such as America’s Top Doctors or America’s Top Doctors for Cancer. It’s important to note that parameters differ slightly for each of Castle Connolly’s publications, so inclusion in one does not necessarily guarantee inclusion in another.
Castle Connolly’s acclaimed national and regional guides provide detailed information about Top Doctors’ education, training, and special expertise and are available online, via toll-free number 800-399-DOCS (3627), or at major national bookstores.
