How we verify providers

Professional registration

Where a profession is regulated, we check the professional's registration against the relevant public register to confirm it is current. This may include registers kept by the GMC, NMC, GDC, HCPC or GPhC.

Qualifications and credentials

We review relevant qualifications and professional credentials against the services the provider wants to offer through SQEDULE.

Professional insurance

Providers must give evidence of current professional indemnity insurance that is appropriate to the services they offer.

Regulatory status

Some healthcare services must be registered with a regulator. Where this applies, we check the provider's regulatory status, including registration with the Care Quality Commission in England. Where CQC registration is not required for the services provided, we record that as part of verification.

Identity and business information

We review identity and business information to establish who is providing the service and the organisation or practice through which care is delivered.

Service-level checks

Registration alone does not mean every service is appropriate for a provider to list. Each service is reviewed against the provider's registration, qualifications, credentials and other requirements before patients can book it.

Ongoing credential checks

Verification continues after a provider joins. SQEDULE tracks registration and document expiry dates, and providers must renew their credentials and documents to keep offering the services they affect.

What verification means

Verification gives you useful information and extra safeguards when choosing private healthcare. It does not replace your own decisions, a clinical assessment or the professional responsibilities of the person or organisation providing your care.

If you think information about a provider is wrong, or you have a concern about a provider listed on SQEDULE, contact us.