Trust & transparency
Scoring methodology
How the DON Fit Score is calculated from the published criteria, how ties and missing information are handled, and how sponsored placements are kept out of the ranked order.
Criteria weights
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Post-acute and long-term care focus | 25% |
| Fee model and price transparency | 20% |
| Guarantee and contract terms | 15% |
| Search process and candidate vetting | 15% |
| Fit for independent operators | 10% |
| Speed and geographic coverage | 10% |
| Evidence and disclosure | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
What each criterion covers, and how the evidence is gathered, is set out on How we test.
How the score is calculated
Each criterion is rated on a 0-10 scale from the documented evidence. The DON Fit Score is the weighted average of those ratings, reported on a 0-10 scale. A provider's ranking position follows its score within the category.
Where a provider does not publish the information a criterion needs, and does not supply it on request, that criterion is rated on what can be verified - missing information is not assumed to be good.
Scores appear on a review only once that review has been completed. Placeholder pages show no score.
Sponsored placements and the ranked order
Paid placements are kept out of the calculation. A sponsored provider appears in a separately labeled "Sponsored" or "Featured Partner" slot, and its position in the ranked list - if it has one - comes from its score alone. Payment never moves a provider up the list.
Changes to the methodology
When the criteria or weights change, affected rankings are re-scored and the change is noted on this page. A dated change log will be maintained here.