Everything You Need to Know about the 2009 Top Doctors List
2009 Top Doctors List>>
How did you pick the doctors?
We didn’t. Area physicians did. We mailed a survey to all of the physicians with active medical licenses in Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, and Union counties according to a list from the North Carolina Medical Board. The survey asked: what doctor would you call if you or a loved one needed medical care?
So is this just a big popularity contest, then?
In some ways, yes. Physicians couldn’t vote for themselves, and were asked to make their selections without regard to hospital, clinic, or health plan affiliations. The number of responses helps eliminate favoritism or bias.
If doctors buy ads, do they get on the list?
No. The survey and its tallying were conducted completely independently from advertising. Results of the survey were not released before the magazine was printed.
What if my doctor isn’t on the list?
If you feel comfortable with your physician, then by all means stick with him or her. This list represents only the top 7 percent or so of area doctors—there are plenty of great doctors who aren’t on it.
I’m a physician, and I’ve never received a survey. Why not?
We purchased our list from the state medical board. If you didn’t get one this year, the board may not have your current address. Also, the survey may have never reached your in-box for a number of other reasons beyond our control.
Are these doctors accepting new patients?
Some are; some aren’t. Because that status can change from month to month, we didn’t include that information.
How do I know if a doctor on this list is board certified?
The NC Medical Board (ncmedboard.org) has a list of all licensed medical doctors practicing in North Carolina (and some in South Carolina).
What does it mean to be board certified?
According to the American Board of Medical Specialties, certification by an ABMS Member Board involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the specific area of medicine. For more information about board certification visit ncmedboard.org.
