The Collaborating Doctor Role: More Than Just a Signature

For most nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician associates (PAs), having a collaborating physician is simply a legal state requirement to operate independently. The relationship is a transaction where a physician signs off on a set number of monthly charts in exchange for a fee. 

But what if this mandated partnership could be transformed into something far more valuable for the advanced practice provider (APP) and the physicians? “The problem with this whole industry is that they base it on compliance. And it should be based on fit and comfort,” says Phoebe Gutierrez, a consultant at Single Aim, a collaborating doc marketplace where providers can access consulting services and operational support. 

Gutierrez has seen countless providers make the most of the collaborating physician role in her work to match APPs with collaborating doctors at Single Aim. She offers best practices to make the most of the collaborating doctor role for your practice this year.

Rethinking the Collaborating Physician Role

Instead of viewing the collaboration as a compliance checkbox, many practitioners leverage this requirement to gain mentorship, deepen their knowledge, network with similar practices and create a more dynamic and successful practice.

For example, one recent match Gutierrez made at Single Aim was between a wound care clinic and an ER doctor. “ When we all met, we quickly realized he had previously owned wound care clinics and had exited them. Now, they’re partnering with him on their growth and expansion in all these 50 states,” she says.

Gutierrez says finding the right physician is not just about meeting the legal requirement — it’s about gaining a mentor who can guide you as you grow your practice. “It’s like an arranged marriage that checks all those compliance boxes, but what if you get in this partnership, and it’s not a good fit? If we prioritize that it’s the right fit, practitioners can gain something from the doctor they’re matched with,” says Gutierrez. 

Key strategies to improve your collaborating physician relationship

1. Seek a mentor, not just a signature
   Many collaborating physicians are willing to provide more than compliance oversight. They can share clinical insights, business strategies and even connections to their professional network. Look for a physician who is passionate about supporting independent practitioners and will take the time to help you grow your practice. “A collaborating doctor is supposed to also serve as a mentor, so you should find somebody you could learn from, who is working in the same space you’re in or has expertise you want to learn,” says Gutierrez.
2. Set yourself up for success

Communicate both of your expectations at the start to ensure alignment. In addition to the fee you’ll pay and the charts you’ll oversee, determine how often you’ll communicate and what you hope to gain. Put this in writing in your agreement.

1. Create opportunities for learning
   Some collaborating doctors work with multiple providers and even hold monthly group meetings. This can be an excellent opportunity to network with other NPs and PAs in a similar role to yours. “These meetings create a collaborative environment where practitioners can learn from each other, share challenges and find solutions,” says Gutierrez.
2. Engage actively
   Don’t treat the collaborating doc relationship as transactional. If your physician isn’t making time for you, ask for it. Regularly check in with your collaborating physician to discuss cases, seek advice and explore ways they can add value to your practice. The more effort you invest, the more you’ll gain.
3. Leverage their expertise to expand services
   Collaborating with a physician specializing in your practice can help you learn more about your niche. For example, a physician with experience in aesthetics or mental health can help you incorporate new services into your practice, benefiting both your patients and your business.

Interview questions for a collaborating doctor

When interviewing a collaborating doctor, Gutierrez recommends going beyond the typical two-minute transactional conversation. Following are some questions you may want to ask:

1. How many years have you been practicing?
2. Have you owned a clinic?
3. How many years have you been collaborating? 
4. Why do you collaborate?
5. How do you communicate?
6. How do you respond to urgent questions?
7. How do you conduct your reviews?
8. Do you do group meetings or monthly one-on-one sessions?
9. How do you provide feedback?
10. What are other ways you can help me grow as a clinician and practice owner?

Red flags on when to terminate a collaborating doctor agreement

You’re not stuck when your collaborating doctor relationship isn’t working out. Most collaborating agreements or physician agreements allow for a 30-day termination period. While you can’t practice without a collaborating physician, online marketplaces, like Single Aim, can help you get set up with a new physician quickly. 

“Have a conversation with your collaborating physician and set the expectations. At that point, the physician can either say they’re willing to do that or not, this might not be a good fit, and let’s try to find you another collaborating physician,” says Gutierrez.

Following are some indications you might need to find a new collaborating doctor:

• If the physician is unresponsive when you text messages and calls
• If the physician isn’t providing you with good feedback on your charting or any feedback.
• If the physician isn’t hosting meetings for you

Physicians and APPs benefit from a strong collaborating doc partnership

A collaborating doctor partnership can be more than just a side hustle for physicians. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact in another provider’s career and to address the healthcare shortage crisis. “The best collaborators turn this into a mentorship opportunity, creating a community where practitioners feel supported and can thrive,” says Gutierrez.

The collaborating physician role doesn’t have to be just a compliance necessity. By investing time and effort into finding the right partner, you can unlock the full potential of this relationship. “When you find the right collaborator, it can unlock doors for you,” says Gutierrez.