How we score
We use a separate rubric for each kind of thing we rate. Each criterion is rated 1–5, then multiplied by its weight to give a score out of 100. Sponsors and affiliate partners never change scores. Scores marked provisional rely on published information only.
AI & tech tools
For AI receptionists, scribes, AI marketing, chatbots, automation and analytics.
| Criterion | Weight | What earns top marks |
|---|---|---|
| ROI evidence | 30% | Published, checkable results: bookings, time saved, revenue. |
| Ease of use | 25% | Setup in under a day; staff can run it; integrates with your EHR/scheduling. |
| Cost / value | 20% | Transparent pricing, no long lock-in, fits a 1–3 doctor clinic. |
| Support | 15% | Live onboarding, responsive, healthcare-savvy support. |
| Data security | 10% | Signs a BAA if it touches patient data; access controls. A minor factor, but tools that hold patient data without a BAA score low here. |
Marketing agencies
For agencies that market health and wellness practices.
| Criterion | Weight | What earns top marks |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | 25% | Focus on chiropractic/wellness clinics; relevant team experience. |
| Pricing transparency | 20% | Published prices or clear written quotes; no hidden ad-spend markups. |
| Verified case studies | 25% | Named, checkable client results, not anonymous screenshots. |
| Contract terms | 15% | Month-to-month or short terms; you own your ad accounts, website and data. |
| Reviews | 15% | Independent reviews (Google, Clutch, etc.) and references we can verify. |
Equipment & devices
For adjusting tables, adjusting instruments, therapy modalities, DME and digital X-ray.
| Criterion | Weight | What earns top marks |
|---|---|---|
| Build quality & warranty | 25% | Warranty length, durability, published specs. |
| Clinical fit | 20% | Features match the techniques and patients you treat. |
| Regulatory status | 15% | FDA clearance or listing for the specific model, stated accurately. |
| Total cost of ownership | 25% | Published or quoted price, installation, service contracts, consumables. |
| Service & training | 15% | Repair turnaround, dealer network, training. |
Cash-pay services & treatments
For services clinics add, such as shockwave, red light, decompression, weight loss, peptides and exosomes.
| Criterion | Weight | What earns top marks |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical evidence | 30% | Peer-reviewed evidence for the specific use, ideally systematic reviews or RCTs. |
| Regulatory status | 25% | FDA clearance or approval for the marketed use; legal within your scope of practice in your state. |
| Device cost & ROI | 20% | Published equipment price, per-visit cost, realistic break-even. |
| Patient demand | 15% | Evidence of real local demand, not just vendor claims. |
| Training & support | 10% | Clinical training, marketing support, service and warranty. |
For treatments, we never make health claims beyond what the cited evidence supports, and we always state FDA status plainly.