Most influential doctors

Most Influential Doctors, an analysis by the medical information firm Qforma, lists thousands of physicians considered the "thought-leaders" in more than 300 U.S. metro areas. These are the doctors other doctors listen to, send patients to and can influence care.

To measure this influence, Qforma analyzed doctors' geographic proximity to other doctors, their publication history, medical partnerships, hospital and academic affiliations, and prescribing history, among other data. Doctors' names, addresses and practicing status were reviewed by health care data providers Wolters Kluwer Health, Health Market Science and SK&A Information Services. This listing includes thousands of doctors in eight specialties.

Analyses like this can guide drug companies in their development and marketing of new products. USA TODAY, in publishing Qforma's list, is making such a list public for the first time.

Influence does not imply a measure of quality of care, nor does this list serve as an endorsement by USA TODAY or Qforma. Readers are encouraged to seek additional information to determine a doctor's quality.

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