Pittsburgh, PA (July 22, 2009) – A new database published online by USA Today has identified a number of physicians from the West Penn Allegheny Health System as being among the nation’s most influential doctors in their respective fields.

Created for USA Today by the medical information firm Qforma, the physician database recognizes approximately 6,000 specialists from nearly 300 U.S.. metropolitan cities in the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. More doctors in other specialties are expected to be added to the database in the coming months.

West Penn Allegheny physicians lauded in the initial report include;

• Asthma Management: David Skoner, M.D., Director of the Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH).
• High Cholesterol: Venkatraman Srinivasan, M.D., Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital and John Balacko, M.D., a cardiologist on staff at West Penn Hospital and Alle-Kiski Medical Center
• High Blood Pressure: cardiologists Alan Gradman, M.D., West Penn Hospital and Donal Warde, M.D., AGH.

According to USA Today, Qforma’s list of “Most Influential Doctors” recognizes “community medical leaders with expertise in the designated specialties whom their colleagues look to for advice on treatment guidelines, new therapies and innovative approaches to medical care.”

The variables used by Qforma to select doctors include clinical and scientific publications, involvement in clinical research, academic achievements, hospital affiliations, referral patterns and prescribing history, among other criteria. Information on a physician’s diagnostic and treatment activity are gleaned from Medicare data and other payors.

To learn more about Qforma’s methodology, view the database and read the USA Today article, visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-14-influential-doctors-qforma_N.htm.