Methodology

Where the data comes from

The initial directory comes from the ClinicAtlas PH research census, compiled region by region across the Philippines from public sources: the PDS online directory, clinic websites and branch lists, hospital directories, Google Maps listings, public Facebook pages (read-only, logged out) and third-party place data.

Research steps

1. Census: first pass, deeper city pass, small-town pass.
2. Google Maps check: address, coordinates, status, phone, place ID.
3. Facebook check for records with gaps: page, address, phone, last post date, named doctors.
4. Rebuild: status and classification set from cited evidence.

Rules

• Coordinates are never estimated. If no reliable source provides them, the clinic is not mapped.
• Every fact traces to a cited source. Search snippets and AI summaries never upgrade a classification alone.
• Records are never deleted: closed, retired and duplicate records are retained with their status.
• Incomplete or conflicting records are labeled “Needs Further Verification.”

Review status

All imported research records start as Unreviewed. They are visible to help consumers but are excluded from search-engine indexing and our sitemap until a DermFinder PH reviewer approves them.

Ranking

Matching results are ranked by documented physician credentials and verified devices, with distance used to break ties in nearby searches. The default radius is 4 km and can be expanded. Plans, payment and clinic popularity do not affect this ranking. Read our disclosure page.

Limitations

Coverage varies by area, small social-media-only clinics may be missing, Facebook post dates are sometimes inferred, and information changes. Absence of information is never a negative finding. Help us correct it.