How PepKey Scores Providers

12 objective criteria. No pay-to-play. Every provider scored the same way. Our full methodology is published and version-controlled.

Current Score Distribution

Average unclaimed provider score: 3.5/10 — reflecting the real state of transparency in the peptide industry. GREEN tier (8.0+): 0 providers currently. GREEN requires claiming a listing and meeting our full standards. That's not a bug. That's the point.

Overview

PepKey uses a four-component scoring system on a 0–10 scale. Every provider starts at 0 and earns points by meeting objective, publicly verifiable criteria. Paid tiers affect placement — never scores.

Documentation

max 5.5 pts

Patient Signal

max 2.0 pts

Verification

max 2.5 pts

Engagement

max 2.0 pts

Scoring Components

Documentation & Transparency max 5.5 pts

Based on publicly visible website content. What does the provider actually disclose? Why this matters: A provider's public documentation is the first thing a patient encounters. If basic safety information isn't disclosed before you pay, that's a signal about operational priorities.

Named Medical Director
Physician or PA/NP on record

+1.50 pts

Prescription Process Documented
Clear consultation workflow

+1.00 pts

Compounding Status Disclosed
FDA vs. compounded disclosed

+0.75 pts

Pharmacy Source Named
Specific compounding pharmacy listed

+0.75 pts

Refund / Cancellation Policy
Published terms for patients

+0.50 pts

Adverse Event Protocol
Clear side effect reporting process

+0.50 pts

Working Website
Reachable, indexed, not parked

+0.50 pts

Patient Signal max 2.0 pts

Derived from Google Reviews data. Reflects real patient experiences at scale. Why this matters: Patient satisfaction data captures what documentation can't — the actual experience of receiving care. Volume matters because a handful of reviews can be curated; hundreds cannot.

Google Rating ≥ 4.5
Excellent patient satisfaction

+1.20 pts

Google Rating ≥ 4.0
Good patient satisfaction

+0.80 pts

100+ Google Reviews
High-volume social proof

+0.80 pts

20–99 Google Reviews
Moderate social proof

+0.30 pts

⚠️ Rating below 3.0 = −0.50 pts penalty. Google data is updated periodically via public API.

Independent Verification max 2.5 pts

Third-party data sources — NPI Registry (CMS) and address validation API. No provider involvement required for NPI lookup. Why this matters: An active NPI confirms that the person or entity providing care is registered with CMS. A verified physical address confirms the practice actually exists where it claims to.

NPI Active
Active NPI in CMS NPPES registry

+1.50 pts

Address Confirmed
Business address validated vs public records

+1.00 pts

⚠️ Deactivated NPI = −0.50 pts penalty. Providers can submit NPI via claim process.

Engagement max 2.0 pts

Has the provider engaged with PepKey? Claimed listings demonstrate a willingness to be accountable. Why this matters: Claiming is a deliberate act. It means a provider has seen their score, verified their identity, and chosen to participate in public accountability rather than ignore it.

Listing Claimed — Provider verified identity and claimed their listing

+2.00 pts

Claim Pending — Provider initiated claim process

+0.50 pts

Score Interpretation

8–10

8.0 – 10.0 · Excellent (GREEN)

Strong transparency across all four components. Multiple independent verifications confirmed. High patient confidence. GREEN requires claiming a listing (+2.0 pts). No unclaimed provider can reach 8.0. Currently: 0 providers at GREEN tier. That's not a flaw — it's a design decision. GREEN means a provider has actively chosen to be transparent. You can't reach it passively. That distinction is the entire point.

6–8

5.75 – 7.9 · Good

Acceptable transparency. Some documentation or verification gaps. Worth contacting — proceed with normal due diligence.

5–6

4.0 – 5.74 · Fair

Transparency issues present. Limited independent verification. Verify credentials and processes directly before booking.

2–4

2.0 – 3.9 · Needs Improvement

Significant documentation gaps. Minimal publicly verifiable information. Proceed with substantial caution.

0–2

0.0 – 1.9 · High Risk

Major transparency concerns. No website, permanently closed, deactivated NPI, or severe documentation failure. Not recommended.

Version History

PepKey v1.0 used a 100-point Tier-based system (Tier 1 automated, Tier 2 verified engagement). As of Version 2.0 (April 2026), all scores are calculated on a 0–10 scale using the four-component framework above. The scoring components sections A–D replace the prior Tier 1/Tier 2 criteria.

Important Principles

● Scores are based on publicly verifiable information and provider-submitted documentation only.
● Paid tiers affect directory placement and features. They never affect trust scores.
● This methodology is published and version-controlled. Changes are documented and timestamped.
● Any provider can improve their score by meeting more criteria — no exceptions, no shortcuts.

Questions about your score?

Claim your listing to start the verification process and boost your score by +2.0 pts.

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