How Compass Ratings Work
We evaluate practices, not people. Compass focuses on a rolling 36-month window and only uses
verifiable signals. Providers receive notice and a right-of-reply before publication or any tier change.
Early access note: “Browse Providers” may show examples until verified reports populate live tiers and change logs.
Evidence we accept (strongest → weakest)
- Primary documents: redacted evaluation letters, monitoring recommendations, SI correspondence.
- Corroborated reports: two or more independent submissions describing the same practice.
- Public records: court filings, consent orders, published policies, on-record remarks.
- Expert statements: named SMEs with disclosed conflicts.
Submitters verify identity privately to P4HR. We standardize submissions and remove names/PHI before review.
Signals & weighting
Compass combines verified signals into a simple score. Positive practices reduce the score; documented concerns increase it.
- Each corroborated report: +1
- Each primary document: +2
- Each confirmed public record: +3
- Each positive practice: −1 (min 0)
Weights guide consistency; editorial judgment may apply for atypical or highly probative evidence.
Tier logic
Tiers reflect recent, verified practice patterns. Typical thresholds:
Trusted
- Consistent positive evidence; multiple positive practices or documented policies.
- No adverse public records in window.
Preferred
- Generally positive evidence with at least one positive practice.
- Isolated concerns addressed; no serious adverse documents.
Watch
- Emerging pattern (e.g., ≥2 credible reports) or 1 doc + 1 report.
- Provider notified; response under review.
Under Review
- Insufficient data, conflicting accounts, or pending right-of-reply.
- Temporary holding tier while evidence is verified.
Older labels like “Caution/Avoid” are deprecated in Compass in favor of Trusted / Preferred / Watch / Under Review for clarity and balance.
Positive practices
- Honors/accepts second opinions where clinically appropriate.
- Transparent fees & written policies (published or readily provided).
- Evidence-based, time-limited monitoring (avoids open-ended surveillance for low-risk cases).
Right-of-reply, updates & appeals
- Notice period: 7 business days before first publication; 48 hours before any tier upgrade.
- Change log: Each provider card shows dated reasons for changes.
- Appeals: Providers may submit evidence for re-review; provider statements may be published alongside listings.
Privacy & redaction
- Remove names, MRNs, addresses, and any PHI before uploading.
- Submissions with PHI or unredacted sensitive details may be rejected or deleted.
Legal note: Compass is a good-faith consumer resource. It is not medical or legal advice and should not be used to harass or defame any individual. See our Terms for submissions and verification policies.