NAVIGATING THE CHANNELS of medical systems and insurance policies to find quality care can result in long, winding journeys through out-of-network referrals, prior authorizations, waiting periods, and new patient paperwork. To aid in the pursuit of the best healthcare, our cover story prescribes ways readers and their families can chart new roadmaps to efficient and effective treatment by acting as their own advocates. Seven of this year’s Top Doctors honorees provide tips to help patients track signs of memory loss to expedite Alzheimer’s treatment, maximize routine wellness check-ups, seek second options, and select the most appropriate facility or consultation platform for a particular health concern. This advice accompanies our annual list of outstanding peer-nominated physicians, which includes nearly 900 Central Indiana practitioners spanning more than 70 specialty areas, from addiction medicine to vascular surgery.
In this issue, we also take a look back to the 1986 release of the movie Hoosiers, quite possibly the best basketball flick of all time (OK, I might be a little biased). Filmed entirely in Indiana, the screenplay recreates Milan High School’s path to a triumphant David-and-Goliath victory in the 1954 state championship—a feat that would not be possible under today’s tournament structure. Writer Sam Stall gained full-court access to the filmmakers, cast members, and even Bobby Plump himself‚ who scored the last-minute “Milan Miracle” basket in the real-life matchup against Muncie Central. If you’ve never viewed Hoosiers, it’s well worth adding to your Thanksgiving holiday watch list. You won’t find a better game on TV.
