Why do some nurse practitioners work with collaborating physicians?

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A young doctor or nurse uses a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to measure the blood pressure of an elderly man seated at a clinic office desk. — Nursing A nurse uses a sphygmomanometer to check a patient's blood pressure.

Some nurse practitioners work with collaborating physicians to facilitate ongoing case reviews and provide consultation, which enhances the teamwork nature of care in settings like primary-care practices or hospital specialty services.1

While many nurse practitioners are licensed to practice independently, the decision to maintain a collaborative relationship often depends on state-specific regulations, which may or may not mandate such an arrangement. Furthermore, this collaboration is a practical reflection of interprofessional teamwork, which is a key element in improving patient and population health outcomes. Evidence suggests that patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in these collaborative environments are often comparable to, or even better than, those found in traditional, physician-only practices.1