Our Scoring Methodology
CompareMeds scores every provider using a six-factor weighted formula. Every element of this methodology is public so you can verify our work and challenge anything you disagree with.
Core Principles
Independent
No provider pays us for listings or score improvements. Revenue comes from non-ranked affiliate links only.
Evidence-based
Every sub-score links to source data: regulator inspection reports, verified pricing pages, or MHRA records.
Monthly updates
Pricing is verified on a monthly basis. Regulator status and clinical factors are reviewed regularly.
Regulator Gate (Applied First)
Before scoring begins, every provider must hold a valid registration with a recognised UK healthcare regulator. We accept registration with any of the following bodies:
CQC
Care Quality Commission
Independent regulator of health and social care in England.
GPhC
General Pharmaceutical Council
Regulates pharmacies and pharmacy professionals in Great Britain.
RQIA
Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority
Equivalent regulatory body for health and social care in Northern Ireland.
- Providers without a valid, current registration with one of the above bodies are excluded entirely
- Regulator status is re-checked regularly via public registers
- A provider cannot buy their way past this gate — it is a binary pass/fail check
The Scoring Formula
Each factor is scored 0–10. The weighted total produces a score between 0 and 10, displayed to one decimal place.
| Factor | Weight | How we score it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | 30% | Combined price of 2.5mg, 5mg & 7mg dosage from the provider's site. Gives a fairer picture of pricing across the most common doses. Lower cost = higher score. | Provider pricing pages (verified monthly) |
| Clinical Support | 20% | Quality of clinical oversight rated 1–5 stars. How easily you can get a response from the provider's medical team. | Manual review, mystery shop, provider documentation |
| Subscription Discount | 15% | Whether the provider offers a subscription plan with a discounted price (typically 6-month or 12-month plans). Yes = 10, No = 0. | Provider pricing pages |
| Support Options | 15% | How many ways you can contact the provider: email, web chat, WhatsApp, phone. Scored by number of channels available (max 4). | Provider websites, verified contact testing |
| Mobile App | 15% | Whether the provider has a companion app and what it offers. Rated 1–5 stars (None = 0). | App Store / Google Play, manual review |
| Delivery Cost | 5% | Free delivery scores highest. Paid delivery scored by charge amount, with a bonus for providers offering free Click & Collect as an alternative. | Provider checkout / pricing pages |
How We Calculate Average Cost
Rather than comparing a single headline price, we use the combined price of 2.5mg, 5mg, and 7mg doses from each provider's site. This gives a fairer picture of what most patients will actually pay across the most commonly prescribed doses on a Mounjaro titration schedule.
Scoring scale
The combined price is mapped to a score: £100 → 7.5 (best) to £300 → 2.5 (worst), clamped at both ends. Providers below £100 score 7.5; providers above £300 score 2.5.
Update Cadence
| Data | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Monthly | Manual verification of provider pricing pages |
| Regulator status | Regular | CQC, GPhC, and RQIA public register checks |
| Clinical factors | Quarterly | Manual review by clinical researcher |
| Support options | Quarterly | Manual review and contact testing |
| Mobile app | Quarterly | App Store / Google Play review + manual testing |
Methodology FAQs
Can providers pay to improve their CompareMeds score?
No. CompareMeds does not accept payment from providers in exchange for listings, score improvements, or placement. Revenue comes from non-ranked affiliate links only — providers do not appear in our comparison tables as a result of commercial relationships. All scores are calculated from independently verified data. Manual overrides require logged justification and are publicly visible on provider profiles.
How often are provider scores updated?
Pricing is verified on a monthly basis. Regulator registration status is checked regularly. Clinical support and other factors are reviewed periodically by our team.
What regulators do you recognise for UK clinics?
We recognise three regulatory bodies: the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates health and social care in England; the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which regulates pharmacies and pharmacy professionals in Great Britain; and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), which is the equivalent body in Northern Ireland. Any provider without a valid, current registration with one of these bodies is excluded from our comparison tables entirely.
I am a provider — can I request a change on an incorrect listing?
Absolutely. We try hard to provide a fair and transparent listing of all providers, but if you think we have gotten something wrong just contact us and we'll look into it.
Challenge a Score
If you believe a score is inaccurate, we welcome challenges from providers and members of the public. We will respond within 5 business days and publish our decision with reasoning.
editorial@comparemeds.uk