CareCompared

    How We Calculate Trust Scores

    Our trust framework evaluates providers across five key pillars, each independently scored and verified. This gives you a clear, objective view of provider quality beyond just price.

    Scoring Overview

    Each provider is scored out of 100 points across five pillars. Points are awarded for meeting specific criteria, with scores adjusted based on the level of verification evidence provided.

    Exceptional Trust

    85–100

    High Trust

    70–84

    Good Trust

    55–69

    Basic Trust

    40–54

    Limited Trust

    Below 40

    Verification Model

    The strength of evidence behind each criterion affects the score. Verified claims carry full weight, while self-declared claims receive a reduced multiplier.

    Verified
    100%Independently verified by CareCompared or a recognised body
    Public Evidence
    75%Publicly accessible evidence (e.g., registry listing, certificate)
    Provider Declared
    40%Declared by the provider without independent verification
    Not Evidenced
    0%No evidence provided

    The Five Pillars

    Clinical Governance & Accreditation (30 points)

    Regulatory registration, lab accreditation, and clinical oversight

    CQC Registered(10 pts)

    Registered with the Care Quality Commission

    UKAS Accredited Lab(8 pts)

    Laboratory holds UKAS accreditation (ISO 15189 or ISO 17025)

    ISO 15189 Certified(5 pts)

    Medical laboratory quality and competence standard

    Results Clinician-Reviewed(4 pts)

    All results reviewed by a qualified clinician before release

    Named Clinical Lead(3 pts)

    Has a named, qualified clinical lead or medical director

    Transparency & Disclosure (20 points)

    Clear pricing, methodology, limitations, and result interpretation

    Clear Pricing Displayed(5 pts)

    All-inclusive pricing shown upfront with no hidden fees

    Testing Methodology Disclosed(5 pts)

    Test methodology and technology clearly documented

    Limitations Clearly Stated(4 pts)

    Test limitations and scope clearly communicated to patients

    Result Interpretation Provided(3 pts)

    Results include clear interpretation guidance or commentary

    Sample Report Available(3 pts)

    Example reports available for patients to review before purchase

    Patient Experience & Support (20 points)

    Follow-up care, GP referral support, and guidance availability

    GP Referral Letter Included(5 pts)

    Includes a GP referral letter with abnormal results

    Doctor Review Available(4 pts)

    Option to discuss results with a doctor

    In-App Guidance Available(4 pts)

    Step-by-step collection guidance within the platform

    Follow-Up Support Provided(4 pts)

    Ongoing support or follow-up pathway after results

    Clear Turnaround Commitment(3 pts)

    Published and reliable turnaround time commitments

    Data Security & Privacy (15 points)

    Data protection certifications and privacy practices

    ISO 27001 Certified(6 pts)

    Information security management system certification

    Cyber Essentials Plus(5 pts)

    UK government-backed cyber security certification (Plus level)

    Cyber Essentials(3 pts)

    UK government-backed basic cyber security certification

    GDPR Compliant(2 pts)

    Demonstrates GDPR compliance with documented privacy practices

    Data Encryption at Rest & Transit(2 pts)

    All patient data encrypted both at rest and in transit

    Operational Standards (15 points)

    Turnaround reliability, sample handling, and platform responsiveness

    Turnaround Reliability >95%(4 pts)

    Meets published turnaround times at least 95% of the time

    Sample Handling Certified(4 pts)

    Certified sample collection and handling procedures

    Responsive Customer Support(3 pts)

    Responds to customer queries within published SLA

    Formal Complaint Process(2 pts)

    Published and accessible complaints procedure

    Active on Platform >6 months(2 pts)

    Provider has been active on CareCompared for at least 6 months

    Important Disclaimer

    Trust scores are a guide based on available evidence and should not be considered a guarantee of service quality. Patients should always consult with healthcare professionals before making clinical decisions. CareCompared verifies information to the best of its ability but cannot guarantee the accuracy of all provider claims.