The English health inspectorate is set to publish ratings for on-line and independent GP services, it announced today.

The news means that the Care Quality Commission will be able to publish league tables of the growing number of on-line GP services.

One service, Push Doctor, has been promoted heavily by television advertising during the Christmas season – and is likely to have attracted thousands of patients.

The CQC says new powers will mean it can rate all independent community health services and independent doctors. It already inspects these services – but its reports have frequently been challenged by providers.

CQC chief executive Sir David Behan said: “CQC’s ratings of health and care services are helping people to make informed choices about their care as well as supporting providers to improve.

“Never before has the public had such clear information about the quality and safety of their health and care services.

“CQC already inspects and publishes reports for these additional services and so, the ability to award ratings to them will bring increased transparency for the public about the quality and safety of their healthcare.”