Is any top doctors list out there really credible? generally, what is the skinny on the castle conolly lists?

Great question!: Think these lists as one source of information. You may also want to go onto the department of medical licensing website in your state to see if your candidate has had any actions taken against them, i.e., restrictions of practice. Ask your friends for referrals. Ask nurses, particularly if you are looking for an OB reference. And trust your gut. Try another doctor if the first one isn't a match.

Just one opinion: Each of these "best of " lists uses different methods, and weighs certain factors differently to compute the score. Some lists are by recommendation only - so you'll see a lot of doctors who are friends, or work at the same hospital system on the list. Think of it as just one data point - and you should really investigate more deeply than looking at someone's "top doc" list.