How We Evaluate Providers
We evaluate services based on service design and governance signals, not on the medicines they prescribe. Our focus is on how a provider operates, supports patients, and meets regulatory expectations.
See our Editorial Policy and How We Make Money disclosures for more detail.
What we look for
When reviewing a provider we consider the following signals. These reflect good service design and patient safety — they are not clinical recommendations.
- Consultation model — Is there an individual clinical assessment before treatment? Who conducts it?
- Follow-up cadence — How often are follow-up appointments offered? Are they included in the price?
- Support included — Does the service include dietitian, coaching, or lifestyle support alongside any clinical intervention?
- Pricing transparency (service fees) — Are total service fees clearly published before sign-up? Are there hidden costs?
- Cancellation & refund clarity — Is the cancellation process straightforward? Are refund terms documented?
- Governance signals — For example, pharmacy registration (GPhC) where applicable, CQC registration, or equivalent regulatory oversight.
- Ability to contact a clinician — Can patients reach a qualified clinician between scheduled appointments if needed?
- Safeguarding — Does the provider have safeguarding policies in place, including processes for declining unsuitable patients?
Transparency score: how we calculate it
Each provider receives a transparency score out of 100, based on the following categories. The score reflects transparency and service design — it is not a clinical quality rating.
| Category | Max points |
|---|---|
| Prescriber qualifications | 20 |
| CQC or GPhC registration status | 20 |
| Transparency of pricing | 15 |
| Follow-up and ongoing support | 15 |
| Cancellation and refund terms | 10 |
| Clinical governance / adverse event reporting | 10 |
| Patient information quality | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Scores are reviewed at least quarterly and when provider information changes.
What we don't do
- We do not rank providers or use “best” language.
- We do not make clinical recommendations.
- We do not publish price tables for prescription medicines — our focus is on service fees and transparency.
- We do not provide personal medical advice.
Commercial relationships
Some providers listed in our directory may pay a referral fee when a user clicks through and signs up for their service. Any sponsored or paid placement is clearly labelled on the page.
These commercial relationships never influence our evaluation findings. Editorial decisions — including what we write, how we assess a service, and whether we include a provider at all — are made independently. See our Editorial Policy for full details.
Sources
- NICE guidelines (CG189, TA875, TA1026)
- CQC registration data
- GPhC standards for registered pharmacies
Last reviewed: March 2026