Providers

FAQs

What services does Zivian offer that benefit me?

Legal Expertise: The Zivian team handles the drafting of your collaborative agreements.  These documents encapsulate the requisite state compliance details and the appropriate protocols, so that you can focus on preparing for practice.

Experienced Advisors: Our experienced physicians are available to offer support, mentorship, and guidance with any clinical questions that you may have. Your collaborating physician will also be able to help you answer questions about specific patients or scenarios when necessary via the review of charts or ad hoc communication.

Compliance made simple: Regulations can vary drastically from state-to-state and are constantly changing. Zivian and your collaborating physician help you to stay compliant by regularly checking in with you to make sure that all monthly requirements are being met. 

Software:  A dedicated platform for compliant collaborations. The platform not only supports ongoing collaborations with secure messaging and chart reviews, but also provides other uses by tracking regulatory changes and documenting other compliance needs. 

What is a collaborating physician?

A collaborating physician is an MD or DO who has agreed to “collaborate,” or supervise your clinical work in a given State or States where you are both licensed. Collaborating means fulfilling the legal requirements of a physician collaborating with an NP or PA, but Zivian tries to go beyond and truly build empowering and meaningful relationships. 

What are the key components of a collaborating agreement?

The key components of a collaborating relationship can vary depending on your State regulations, your organization’s expectations, your clinical specialty, your scope of practice, and the professional relationship you develop. However, some features of a collaborative relationship that Zivian always encourages include:

• A collaborating agreement: a contract between you and your collaborating physician that includes both of your responsibilities, and an outline of your clinical protocol;
• Check-ins: meeting with your provider at a regular cadence, typically via teleconference. These can be a great time to ask both clinical questions and professional development questions, and is a chance for the clinician and the physician to develop a long-term relationship;
• Advice: your collaborator will be available to answer your medical and patient care questions;
• Chart review: Your physician will be required to conduct a specified number of monthly chart reviews.

When does a provider need a collaborating physician?

Short answer–it depends! Certain States require that a physician (MD or DO) serve permanently in this role for NPs and PAs to help ensure you are meeting the standard of care, and support you when needed. Other States require a collaborating physician for a specific duration or in certain prescribing contexts, and certain States allow full autonomy for NPs specifically. 

Although a collaborating physician is not strictly required for all NPs and PAs, Zivian Health believes a productive collaboration can bring tremendous value to many clinicians and organizations.

Are there any initiation fees to be matched with a physician?

No, we do not require an initiation fee beyond the agreed upon fee in the service agreement. If additional services or collaborations are needed beyond what was initially discussed, additional fees may be included, however prior to billing, all fees are captured in the service agreement. 

Do physicians go through any credentialing or verification process? 

Yes, all Physicians are verified and credentialed by Zivian prior to being enrolled.

Do I have to be matched with a physician in my speciality? 

This depends on the state. In many states, NPs and physicians do not have to have matching specialties in order to collaborate. In Georgia, NPs are required to have physician collaborators with comparable specialties. Our role is to help make sure you are matched with a physician that meets all the regulatory questions, so you don’t have to worry. All of these variables are taken into consideration during the matching process. 

How do I start the process of finding a physician?

At Zivian, we're committed to simplifying your journey. No need to worry about finding your own legal team or physician – we've got you covered. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible for you.

1. Complete our intake form which helps us determine your needs
2. Agree to your monthly cost to collaborate with a physician that meets your needs
3. Create Zivian profile to start credentialing process and submit required documentation
4. Meet and Greet with Match
5. Sign Collaborative Agreement
6. Start Collaborating! 

We also provide guidance and training on how to have a helpful, supportive and mutually rich collaboration with your physician collaborator. 

How quickly can you match me to a physician?

After all required documents are signed, you will be placed into our matching queue. In most cases, we find matches in 7-10 days. However, if you practice in a state with more stringent regulations, it might take additional time to find a suitable collaborator who aligns with diverse geographic and meeting prerequisites.

We provide updates for all providers in the matching queue and will work with you if we anticipate any issues with finding you a good physician collaborator. 

Do you have physicians who supervise controlled substances?

Yes! If you plan on prescribing controlled substances, we will match you with a physician that is open to supervising your controlled substance prescriptions. In Texas, physicians would prescribe Schedule II controlled substances on your behalf.

Will I get to speak to my physician before we begin working together?

Yes. We require that you have an introductory meeting with your assigned collaborating physician before your collaboration may begin. After a potential collaboration is identified, you will receive an email requesting you to schedule time with your assigned physician collaborator. This is a good time for you to ask questions about the collaboration, understand their role and see if a collaboration will benefit you and your needs. 

After you meet, the Physician will have the option to accept the collaboration and sign the proposed collaborative agreement, which will also be shared with you for signature. 

Do I add my collaborating physician to my existing medical malpractice policy?

Yes, you will add your collaborating physician to your medical malpractice policy.

How long does my physician have to provide a response to a question?

You and your physician should set expectations of acceptable response times and availability. Typically physicians will respond in 24 hours or shorter depending on the specialty and nature of the question or issue.

Is there a process for me to request an alternative collaborative Physician if it is not a good match?

Yes. If you feel that your assigned collaborating physician is not a suitable match either after the initial meeting or after you have signed a collaboration agreement, we would be happy to help you find another collaborator. If you have any concerns at any point, please let us know so that we may try to remedy the situation.

Who schedules monthly meetings?

We recommend all physicians schedule the monthly collaborative meetings with each provider by having them book through the physicians calendar link. Our general recommendation is to use a calendar system that supports group meetings. It is the responsibility of the physician to ensure these meetings occur, as tracked and attested to in the Zivian platform. 

When should I go to my collaborator for help?

Your collaborating physician will help you with your clinical questions, both about specific patients and about your medical knowledge. Even if they do not know the answer to a question, Zivian Health has a very diverse roster of specialists whom your collaborator can rely on for additional support. Many collaborators will also be helpful in sharing advice on your professional development!

How are charts shared?

Charts are shared either through the APC granting you access to their EMR or via secure, HIPAA compliant, encrypted email. In an upcoming platform release, you will be able to upload and share charts with your collaborating physician(s) via Zivian’s platform.

If I receive additional state licensures and need additional collaborations, how can I request those adjustments?

You may reach out to support@zivianhealth.com at any time to request updates to your agreement or to request additional collaborations. Please send us a message about the state needed and the number of practice locations that you will need coverage for.

My physician collaborator is unresponsive, what should I do?

Please reach out to support@zivianhealth.com at any time if you are experiencing difficulties reaching out to your physician collaborator.

How do I pay my monthly fees? 

Zivian will send you an invoice via Stripe and you will be able to set up your payment method on the Zivian platform

Are fees prorated if I start mid-month?

Yes, if your collaboration starts mid-month, you will be charged a prorated amount in your first invoice.

When are fees due?

Fees are due the 5th of the month.  Zivian invoices for the month in advance.

Are the monthly meetings virtual or in person?

Usually, the monthly meetings are virtual. However, some providers and physicians prefer in person.   Some states do require in-person meetings, such as Tennessee.

What if we don’t align with a provider’s mission/plan?

It’s important to vet one another on ideologies/philosophies. These things happen, and they’re usually healthy debates. However, if you don’t agree with their methods, there are further steps we can take.

What level of liability do Physicians have?

Zivian covers malpractice insurance on behalf of physicians, and physicians are secondary to NPs and PAs. The list of physicians named in malpractice suits are little to none due to the fact that the physicians aren’t attending or administering care.