Health and wellbeing
Doctors, hospitals, clinics, dentists, physiotherapists, counsellors and wellbeing services. In most countries the professions are regulated, but the level of regulation varies a great deal between them.
Regulated and unregulated
Doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists are regulated almost everywhere, and their regulators keep public registers. Physiotherapists, psychologists and dietitians are regulated in many countries. Titles such as "therapist", "coach", "nutritionist" or "wellness practitioner" are often not protected, so anyone can use them.
What to check
- That the practitioner is on the regulator's register, under their own name.
- That the clinic is licensed, and whether it has been inspected. In England, for example, the Care Quality Commission publishes inspection reports.
- The practitioner's training and experience with the specific treatment.
- The full price, including consultations, tests and follow-up.
- If your insurance covers the treatment, and whether the clinic bills the insurer directly.
Consent and time to think
You should be told the risks, the alternatives and what happens if something goes wrong before you agree to treatment. For cosmetic procedures, be wary of a discount for booking on the day. Professional guidance in several countries says patients should have time to think before cosmetic treatment.
Complaints
Ask the clinic how it handles complaints, and find out which regulator or ombudsman you can go to if that fails.