Start and Grow a Profitable Botox®, Aesthetic Medicine or Medical Weight Management Practice​

Finding a Collaborating Physician

Starting a medspa, aesthetics practice, or medical weight management clinic often requires collaboration with a licensed physician. For nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), especially those practicing in restrictive states, having a physician collaborator is not just beneficial—it’s often required by law. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of finding and establishing a collaboration with the right physician for your practice.
Collaborating Physician

Understanding State-Specific Regulations

Nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), registered nurses (RNs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) generally need to collaborate with a physician when opening a medspa, aesthetics practice, or medical weight management clinic. 

The specific requirements vary by state, especially with some nurse practitioners enjoying unrestricted prescribing authority in some states, so it’s crucial to check your local regulations. 

Before embarking on your search for a collaborating physician, it’s crucial to review your state’s policies. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provides an easy-to-use map tool for detailed information on specific regions. Some NPs may need a collaborator primarily for clinical support, while others might require one solely for regulatory compliance.

Essential Steps for Establishing Collaboration

1. Written Agreement

To provide services in a medspa or similar practice, you must have a written agreement in place with a collaborating physician or medical director. This agreement should outline:
  • The scope of practice for all providers (NP, PA, RN, and others)
  • The physician’s role in providing oversight and supervision
  • Protocols for treatments and procedures
  • Emergency procedures

2. Legal and Licensing Requirements

Ensure that both you and the collaborating physician are licensed and in good standing with your respective state boards. In some states, the physician may need to have an ownership stake in the practice.

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Strategies for Finding a Collaborating Physician

1. Leverage Your Professional Network

  • Ask trusted colleagues for recommendations
  • Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to connect with potential collaborators
  • Attend networking events and conferences in your field

2. Create Online Job Listings

Post job listings on platforms such as:

Avoid spamming multiple job boards, as this may lead to an overwhelming number of unqualified candidates.

3. Cold Call Medical Offices

Use Google to find primary care, pain management, alternative medicine, and psychiatric offices in your area. Prepare a brief script introducing yourself and explaining your need for a collaborating physician.

4. Utilize Specialized Services

Consider using services like Doctors for Providers, Physician Collaborators, Moxie or Collaborating Docs, which specialize in connecting NPs and PAs with collaborating physicians.

Choosing the Right Collaborating Physician

When evaluating potential collaborators, consider the following:

  • Clinical expertise and experience
  • Availability for consultation and oversight
  • Cultural fit with your practice
  • Communication style and responsiveness
  • Willingness to review and approve protocols
  • Compensation expectations

Negotiating Compensation

Use cost calculation guides to ensure you’re offering competitive compensation without overpaying. Consider factors such as:
  • Time commitment required
  • Level of involvement in day-to-day operations
  • Risk exposure
  • Market rates in your area
  • Size of practice/number of patients per day
  • Personal relationships 

Based on these factors, compensation can range from $500 to $2000+ per month. Some arrangements might involve hourly rates ($100-$150 per hour) or a percentage of practice revenue (typically 5-15%). Flat annual fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the level of involvement and risk.

Wherever possible, try to negotiate a flat rate. While it may be more money for you at the start of your practice, you’ll keep more money in your pocket as you grow. 

Remember to factor in additional costs such as malpractice insurance and any required travel expenses. Always consult with a healthcare attorney to ensure your arrangement complies with state laws and doesn’t violate anti-kickback statutes.

Implementing the Collaboration

Once you’ve found the right collaborating physician:
  1. Draft a comprehensive written agreement (consider legal counsel)
  2. Establish clear communication channels
  3. Set up procedures for treatments, ordering supplies, and emergencies
  4. Regularly review and update protocols

Additional Considerations

  • Malpractice Insurance: Notify your insurer about your collaboration arrangement
  • Continuing Education: Stay up-to-date on relevant regulations and best practices
  • Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic meetings to assess the collaboration and make necessary adjustments

Conclusion

Finding the right collaborating physician is a crucial step in establishing and running a successful medspa, aesthetics practice, or medical weight management clinic.

By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide—from understanding state regulations to negotiating fair compensation—you can create a mutually beneficial partnership that meets legal requirements and enhances the quality of care you provide.

Remember that the ideal collaborating physician should do more than just fulfill regulatory obligations.

They should be a valuable resource, offering expertise, guidance, and support that contributes to the growth and success of your practice.

Take the time to thoroughly vet potential candidates, ensuring their experience aligns with your practice’s needs and that their working style complements your own.

As you move forward, keep in mind that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving.

Stay informed about changes in regulations, best practices, and industry trends. Regularly review and update your collaboration agreement to ensure it remains compliant and continues to serve the best interests of your practice and patients.

Ultimately, the right collaborating physician can be a key asset in elevating the standard of care you provide, managing risk effectively, and helping your practice thrive in a competitive market.

By investing time and effort in this crucial relationship, you’re setting a strong foundation for the long-term success and sustainability of your medspa, aesthetics practice, or medical weight management clinic.

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