Customer Reviews

Guide to Top Doctors (Consumers Guide to Top Doctors)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I wrote the last review, giving this book high marks. That was the previous edition, however. I ordered the current edition, published in 2002, and am disappointed. The guide lists only physicians in large metropolitan areas. In Arizona, for instance, only physicians in the Phoenix area are listed, and in Washington, only those doctors in Seattle are listed. So if you live in a smaller county or are unable to travel to a large city, this book will not be helpful.
Also, one of the neurosurgeons listed in the Seattle area has now lost his license due to Medicare fraud!

When people decide to buy an automobile, or even a new vacuum cleaner, they research the products available before making their decision. Why, then, when they find they're in need of something like back surgery, do they choose whoever is readily available, or the local doctor who "seems like a really nice guy?"
This book saved my life, or rather, my quality of life. When I was diagnosed with a back problem that would require surgery, I decided that I was going to be very particular about the surgeon that was allowed to "mess with MY back!" I found this book at our local library and selected, from it, a highly rated neurosurgeon in my geographical area. I have been very happy with the results!
As a Registered Nurse with many years of experience, I have referred many people, who ask for a recommendation to a reliable physician, to this book. I will be forever grateful that I had access to its information when it was needed.

I have both editions of TOP DOCTOR'S. I am waiting for the next edition, as it seems more doctors voted the second time, and some mentioned in first book are no longer there.It's the best information available.No one knows what they are getting when going into surgery, nor just how good their doctor might be. It's my "Bible". I can't do without it. I carry a copy in my car when I travel, as it has doctors in most major cities.I have sent copies of the city that my children live in, and have recommended they only go to those doctors on list.I copy the cities I travel to in case of emergency.

I have noticed that there is one group which has many doctors, and they seem to vote for those in the same religion, so don't just go by whomever has most mentions(votes).

Hope that next editions check for previous review concern below on status of doctor,and anything else that will improve the book.

Better safe than sorry.

I bought this book eagerly hoping that it would take the trouble out of finding the right top doctor. I got a name of one dr i went to who had 3 votes on it, and found his office to be sub-standard, let alone, top. Then I figured I'd look at dr's who I've gone to, who I would NEVER recommend to a pet, let alone a person, only to find them listed in this book, and I found two of them. I don't know how they come up with the ratings, but I would place very little stock on the ratings given in this book, and would treat it as a hit or miss thing. Trust your gut feeling when u first meet a dr. and go from there.

Great book in theory. Nice to have all the dr's you need in one spot. Sort of noticing a trend of many accolades for Dr's in the same practice which seemed odd to me. Nice getting exposure to Dr's in specific specialties within specific states. I noticed a few numbers were outdated, but otherwise, I personally think it saves time to have a hard copy of a book versus having to do research on the web. Worth the purchase if it isn't over $5. I believe I must have paid $25 or so which is a complete ripoff for the book

Unfortunately Checkbooks reviews are problematic: Checkbook magazine is a local (they have regional editions) consumer magazine that I picked up looking for advice on optimoligists. They had a raving review of a north end practice (Highland), so I made an appt, as it happened I passed this information on to a couple of other people, and they also made appts. We all had horrible experiences. With a little research it turns out you have to be a paying member to review or give input about what ever they are reviewing - this makes any reccomendations they have meaningless - only those with a financial interest in the reviews are likely to pay to make them. It seems this magazine actually potentially provides a disservice to those who read it .