Top Rated Collaborating Physician Services
If you're a nurse practitioner (NP) in a state that requires a collaborating or supervising physician, finding the right match is key. You can check your state's practice requirements through the AANP here.
While some NPs already have a physician they've worked with who is willing to collaborate; others may need to find one. It's important to choose a physician who aligns with your clinical approach, budget, and work style.
Below, we've listed top services that connect NPs with collaborating physicians. However, the most budget-friendly option is often partnering with a physician friend or former colleague. That said, match-making services offer quick and efficient connections when needed.
Note: This guide is based on publicly available information and feedback shared by NPs with Prax Health. It is intended for informational purposes only and not to endorse or criticize any specific service.
What to Expect from a Collaborating Physician Service
- Guaranteed Match and Rematch Policies:
- Most services guarantee finding an initial match within 14 days.
- Free re-matches are typically offered if the physician retires, takes leave, or the partnership doesn't work out, to ensure no gaps in MD coverage.
- State-Specific Requirements:
- Physician supervision requirements vary across states. Some states may require chart reviews or co-signatures. It is important to know your state specific requirements.
- Because in some states an NP or PA "takes up a supervisory spot" for an MD, some groups may not offer part-time discounts for NPs.
- Notable Companies:
- Collaborating Docs and Zivian stand out for their competitive pricing, organization, and responsiveness.
- Single Aim offers a marketplace model where NPs/PAs are able to browse and negotiate directly with the physician.
In-Depth Comparisons of Collaborating Physician Services
Note: Updated as of March 2025. Based on direct feedback from our NP Community.
Collaborating Docs
- Initiation Fee: $500 (one-time)
- Monthly Fee Range: $780-$1,080, depending on specialty and telehealth vs. in-person services.
- Commitment: Month-to-month with no cancellation fees.
- Key Benefits:
- MDs review 10% of charts independently
- Monthly MD meetings for clinical discussions
- Direct communication with MDs (no portal required)
- Drafting state-compliant collaborative agreement
- MD malpractice insurance fully covered
- Weekly office hours for ongoing support
Single Aim
- Initiation Fee: None
- Monthly Fee Range: Marketplace model, Single Aim states that this results in lower fees and more benefits than other services.
- Commitment: None
- Key Benefits:
- Fast Matches: NPs / PAs get physician proposals in ~2 hours
- Marketplace: Structured as an open marketplace where NPs / PAs are able to browse and choose their best match based on their needs
- Transparent: Fees are negotiable directly with the physician
Zivian
- Initiation Fee: None
- Monthly Fee Range: Around $750, with flexibility for in-person appointments
- Commitment: Month-to-month
- Key Benefits:
- Facilitates collaborative agreement signing
- Offers a compliance document portal
- MD malpractice insurance provided, with optional addition to your policy at no cost if fees arise
- Zoom meetings to ensure a good fit between NP and MD
Doctors for Providers
- Initiation Fee: None
- Monthly Fee Range: $1,225-$1,425, depending on hours worked.
- Commitment: Month-to-month with 90-day written notice for cancellations
- Key Considerations:
- MD malpractice insurance not covered
Wellness MD Group
- Initiation Fee: None
- Monthly Fee: Around $1,200 (including Schedule II prescriptions)
- Commitment: Not clearly defined
- Concerns:
- Lack of clarity about specialty areas
Other Groups
- Physician Collaborators: Limited availability in some states
- Ur Doc: Did not show up for scheduled sales meeting and difficult to use website
Choosing the Right Partner
When selecting a collaborating physician matching service, consider:
- Pricing and transparency
- Responsiveness and professionalism
- Ongoing support and re-matching services
- Important protections, such as malpractice and standardized procedures (e.g. many services offer malpractice for supervising MDs)
Disclaimer:
The information and/or resources provided in this post and elsewhere on the Prax Health site is provided for general informational purposes only and to assist you as you evaluate engaging in Prax Health's services. It is not intended as, and Prax Health, Inc. does not provide, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment nor is it intended to be legal or tax advice.
Sources
- Prax Health Research & Editorial Team
- Nurse Practitioner Community
- AANP
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