How Much Does a Collaborating Physician Cost in California? (2026)
By Chris Caulfield, RN, MSN, FNP-BC · Founder & CEO, NP Collaborator
In California, a collaborating physician typically costs $599–$699 per month, with a median of $649/month — based on 250+ real contracts in California. Total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance. Source: NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026.
In California, a collaborating physician typically costs between $599 and $699 per month, with a median of $649/month. That median is above the national median of $549/month. These figures come from our own analysis of 250+ real signed California contracts in The Fair Price for Collaboration Report — the first all-in collaboration cost study funded by the NPs and PAs who pay these fees. You can see how every state compares on our collaborating physician cost by state page.
Why does California price where it does?
California sits at the top of the national range ($599–$699). Two things drive it: the state caps supervision at about 4 nurse practitioners per physician under standardized procedures, which keeps collaboration slots scarce, and California has the highest physician wage base in the country. Fewer available physicians plus higher physician pay means a higher fee here than in most states.
Sources
Rules summarized for context; verify current requirements with the state board.
For the specific licensing and collaboration requirements in California, see our California collaborating physician requirements.
What moves your price within the California band?
Within California's Fair Price Band, you move toward the lower end with telehealth-friendly collaboration, lower patient volume, and simpler chart-review terms. You move toward the upper end with in-person requirements, high-acuity specialties, or when a physician is already near their 4-NP supervision cap and taking on complex oversight.
Fair Price Band = 25th–75th percentile of real signed contracts.
California vs national: how does the cost compare?
California's median monthly cost is above the national median, and its Fair Price Band runs higher at the top. Here is the side-by-side.
| Metric | California | National |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Price Band (25th–75th percentile) | $599–$699/mo | $499–$599/mo |
| Median monthly cost | $649/mo | $549/mo |
| Sample size | 250+ actual contracts | 2,000+ actual contracts |
How California compares to similar states
Looking at other states with similar collaborating physician costs can give you a better sense of regional pricing patterns. Here are states with the closest median fees to California's $649/month.
How do you know your California quote is fair?
- The quote sits above California's 75th percentile of $699/month with no stated reason.
- Physician malpractice insurance is excluded from the monthly fee (or left unclear).
- There are no written chart-review terms — cadence, volume, or turnaround.
- A one-time match or onboarding fee is not disclosed up front.
- The all-in monthly cost isn't put in writing against California's $599–$699/mo band.
Collaborating physician cost in California: FAQs
How much does a collaborating physician cost in California?
In California, a collaborating physician typically costs $599–$699 per month, with a median of $649/month, based on 250+ real contracts in California. Total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance.
What is a fair price for a collaborating physician in California?
A fair California quote falls within that state's Fair Price Band of $599–$699/month, centered on a median of $649/month. A quote above $699/month with no stated reason is worth questioning.
Is a collaborating physician more expensive in California than the national average?
California's median of $649/month is above the national median of $549/month. Nationally, most nurse practitioners pay $499–$599/month.
Does the California collaborating physician cost include malpractice insurance?
In our data it does — the California figures reflect the total monthly fees including physician fees, platform fees, and physician malpractice insurance. Confirm in writing whether any specific quote bundles physician malpractice coverage.
How many contracts is the California Fair Price data based on?
The California figures are based on 250+ real signed contracts analyzed for the NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026. We band sample counts rather than publishing exact totals.
Collaborating physicians available in California now
Live, transparent listings — malpractice included, no startup fees. Prices below reflect real California collaboration agreements. See all California collaborating physicians →
47+ verified physicians · Fees $499–$1,399/mo · malpractice included
Licensed to collaborate with California nurse practitioners
Licensed to collaborate with California nurse practitioners
Licensed to collaborate with California nurse practitioners
Licensed to collaborate with California nurse practitioners
Browse collaborating physician listings in California
See real, transparent California collaborating physician options with malpractice included.
Last updated: August 18, 2026 · NP Collaborator Fair Price Report, Edition 1, 2026