Collaborating physicians for nurse practitioners
The Partnership Behind Your Practice
Match with a collaborating physician in 7 days or less! Plus, receive ongoing compliance support from your dedicated team of Guardian specialists.
Find a collaborating physician
A complete collaboration relationship
More than a collaborating physician match
GuardianMD helps nurse practitioners and physician assistants establish and maintain a collaboration relationship, with physician matching, documentation, ongoing support, and compliance workflows brought together in one coordinated service.
Physician matching
Get matched based on your state, specialty, scope of practice, and collaboration needs.
Relationship setup
Receive support with onboarding, agreements, documentation, and applicable board processes.
Ongoing support
Communicate with your physician and receive continuity support as your practice evolves.
Compliance platform
Organize protocols, chart reviews, licenses, agreements, and relationship documentation.
Why providers choose GuardianMD
★★★★★
“Guardian was very helpful in finding me a collaborating physician. They were especially helpful, since my state has some challenges with specific rules on who can collaborate. They promptly addressed the issued so that I could get on track to submit all necessary paperwork to the state. They were also quick to respond to any concerns. The communication was amazing!!! Thank you!!!!”
Harmony R.
★★★★★
“I love that everything has been smooth with my collaborative physician. The company is very responsive and I have been able to set up my practice very easily with their help. If you are looking for a medical director / collaborative physician, look no further!”
Adeola A.
★★★★★
“Very fast and considerate responses to questions. So happy that Guardian offers an easy path to obtain a physician collaborator. They also have great form templates for those just starting in practice. I recommend this service to all nurse practitioners.”
Kellie H.
Fast, compliant physician matching — nationwide
Our network of collaborating physicians spans all 50 states, covering multiple specialties and telehealth options. Whether you’re launching a new practice or need to replace an existing physician, GuardianMD makes it simple, fast, and fully compliant.
Physicians licensed and verified in your state
Available for telehealth and in-person oversight
Backed by our compliance management team
The gold standard in collaborating physician support
Collaborating physician matching in 7 days
Collaborating physician malpractice insurance
State-specific collaborative agreement
Physician fees
Chart reviews
Unlimited patients
Protocols
How GuardianMD’s collaborating physician program works
GuardianMD streamlines the process of finding and partnering with a collaborating physician. We provide the oversight so you can confidently provide the patient care.
01
Submit your info
Book a discovery call with one of our account executives and tell us about your practice, location, scope of care, and patient volume. The more detail you provide, the more precisely we can match you with a physician whose specialty, licensure, and oversight style align with your clinic’s needs and state regulations.
02
Get matched quickly
Our team reviews your information and pairs you with a fully licensed, vetted collaborating physician—often within 7 days. Each match is made based on clinical fit, compliance requirements, and your operational needs, so you can onboard smoothly and start delivering care without delays.
03
Ongoing support
Once matched, you’re supported year-round with compliance updates, documentation standards, agreement renewals, and clear oversight workflows. We monitor regulatory changes, keep your physician engaged and covered, and help your clinic stays compliant as you grow.
Why nurse practitioners trust GuardianMD
Fast matching
We connect you with a vetted, licensed collaborating physician in days—not weeks. Our nationwide network ensures fast placement so your clinic never stalls waiting for oversight.
Compliant structure
Every relationship is built on a fully compliant foundation, including proper agreements, documentation standards, chart review requirements, and CPOM-appropriate structuring. No handshake deals. No shortcuts. Just safe, defensible collaboration.
End-to-end support
From initial setup to yearly renewals, chart review workflows, and regulatory updates, we manage the details so you can focus on patient care. Your physician stays supported, and your clinic stays protected.
Flexible options
Whether you’re a solo NP, a growing medspa, or a multi-location brand, we offer collaboration models that fit your practice type, patient volume, and budget — without tying you into rigid or inflated tiers.
Dedicated compliance experts
Our team monitors state laws, board regulations, and telemedicine requirements so you always have up-to-date guidance. We’re here when you need clarity — and we stand with you if your clinic ever faces an audit or board review.
Find a collaborating physician with GuardianMD
Your dedicated Guardian team: the experts behind your practice’s success
Physician collaboration with GuardianMD goes beyond matching you with a doctor. Every nurse practitioner has a team of Guardians they can rely on for compliance support so they can focus on providing patient care.
Plus, monthly webinars are available exclusively for GuardianMD practices to discuss new regulations, services, and how to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.
Empowering nurse practitioners to grow with confidence
Easily manage your medical oversight, compliance, chart reviews, and protocols using the HIPAA-compliant GuardianMD platform. Your Guardian team has designed an experience to get your practice up and running quickly with dedicated customer experience specialists, compliance specialists, and a clinical team.
Find a collaborating physicianNeed help setting up a healthcare MSO?
From structuring agreements to compliance support, GuardianMD helps you build a solid foundation.
Talk with a specialistFrequently asked questions
How long does it take to be matched with a collaborating physician?
Most NPs are matched within 3–7 days. Because we maintain one of the largest networks of licensed collaborating physicians in all 50 states, we’re able to match quickly based on your specialty, scope, and coverage needs. If your state has additional requirements, we build those into the matching process so your oversight is compliant from day one.
Can I request a specific type of physician or specialty?
Yes. You can request a physician who aligns with your specialty, patient population, or treatment modalities. We take your clinical focus, service offerings, and supervision requirements into account to match you with the right physician. Whether you operate in aesthetics, IV hydration, wellness, functional medicine, or primary care, we pair you with someone qualified for your practice.
What happens if my state’s requirements change?
GuardianMD continuously monitors state board regulations, supervision rules, and telemedicine requirements. If your state updates its laws, we notify you, adjust your oversight structure as needed, update collaborative agreements, and support both you and your physician through any required compliance changes. You stay protected, and your oversight stays current—without you having to track every update yourself.
How does GuardianMD’s collaborating physician matching process work?
You share information about your practice, location, specialty, and patient volume. Our compliance team reviews your needs and matches you with a licensed physician whose specialty and licensure align with state requirements. We handle agreements, onboarding, documentation workflows, and ongoing compliance so your collaboration is structured correctly and stays audit-ready year-round.
Are collaborating physicians licensed in my state?
Yes. Every collaborating physician we match you with holds an active, unrestricted license in the state where you provide care. This ensures your oversight meets state board requirements and protects both your practice and your patients. We verify licensure, credentialing status, and disciplinary history before onboarding any physician into our network.
Does GuardianMD handle state-specific collaborative agreements?
Absolutely. We prepare compliant, state-specific collaborative practice agreements tailored to your specialty and supervision requirements. We ensure the correct language, chart review cadence, communication expectations, and physician responsibilities are included. You don’t need to source your own legal templates or worry about whether your agreement meets board standards—it’s all handled for you.
Can a collaborating physician oversee multiple nurse practitioners or clinics?
Yes—most states allow physicians to supervise multiple NPs, though limits vary. GuardianMD ensures your physician stays within state-specific supervision ratios or oversight caps. We track physician panel size, distribution, and compliance limits so your collaboration never exceeds state rules. Our process protects both the NP and the physician from accidental noncompliance.
What happens after I’m matched with a collaborating physician?
Once matched, we finalize your agreement, complete onboarding, and establish chart review and communication workflows. You receive ongoing compliance updates, documentation guidance, oversight reminders, and renewal management. We also support your physician with clear expectations and regulatory standards so your collaboration runs smoothly over time.
How are chart reviews and ongoing communication handled?
We provide structured workflows for chart review frequency, documentation submission, and required communication. Your physician receives clear expectations and state-specific guidance, while you get reminders and support to stay on track. Our system helps ensure timely reviews, consistent documentation, and transparent communication—key elements for compliance and board readiness.
Are collaborating physicians insured for malpractice coverage?
Yes. Every collaborating physician in our network maintains active malpractice insurance. We verify coverage and renewals as part of our compliance process. This protects you, the physician, and your clinic and ensures the oversight arrangement meets the standard of care and regulatory expectations for clinical supervision.
Does GuardianMD provide documentation for audits or compliance checks?
Yes. If your clinic ever faces a state board review, audit, or complaint, we provide supporting documentation, agreements, oversight logs, chart review records, and regulatory explanations. We stand behind our structure and support both you and your physician throughout the process. Compliance is built in from day one—and we stay with you if scrutiny ever arises.
Can I cancel or switch physicians if needed?
Yes. If your clinical focus changes, your volume grows, or you need a different type of oversight, we can rematch you with another physician. We also support transitions if your current physician becomes unavailable or adjusts their practice. You’re never locked into an arrangement that no longer fits your needs.
Does GuardianMD offer support if issues arise with my collaborating physician?
Absolutely. If communication challenges, workflow questions, or oversight concerns arise, our team steps in to support both sides. We help clarify expectations, update documentation, or rematch you if necessary. We’re here to protect the relationship—and your compliance—so you’re never left to navigate issues alone.
Can GuardianMD also help me find a medical director or assist with MSO setup?
Yes. Beyond collaborating physicians, we match clinics with medical directors and help structure compliant MSO and friendly PC models when needed. We ensure your corporate structure, agreements, and oversight framework align with CPOM regulations so you can scale safely and legally.
Is there a limit to how many patients I can see under my collaboration agreement?
Generally, no—patient volume isn’t restricted in most states. However, your chart review cadence, documentation quality, and oversight expectations must align with your volume and scope. GuardianMD ensures your oversight structure remains compliant as your patient load grows, and we proactively adjust physician support if needed.
What is a collaborating physician, and why do nurse practitioners need one?
A collaborating physician is a licensed doctor who provides the level of oversight required by your state for nurse practitioners. This may include chart reviews, clinical guidance, or supervision standards. NPs need a collaborating physician in many states to meet regulatory requirements, ensure patient safety, and maintain a compliant practice structure.
What’s the difference between a collaborating physician and a medical director?
A collaborating physician provides the regulatory oversight required for NPs to practice—such as chart reviews, supervision, and state-specific compliance tasks. A medical director focuses on clinical governance, protocol oversight, quality assurance, and high-level medical leadership within the practice. Some clinics need one or the other; many need both. GuardianMD provides compliant support for each role. Our own Dr. Christopher Seitz dives into the differences between a collaborating physician and a medical director in greater detail.