There are four common ways to get a medical director for a med spa, IV clinic or weight-loss practice. Each one answers the same questions differently: who holds the clinical entity, who writes the protocols, what happens when the physician leaves, and how the fee is structured. This page compares the models, not named vendors.
The four models
- Matching marketplace. A company introduces you to an independent physician, and you contract with that physician.
- Hiring a local physician. You find, vet and contract with a doctor yourself.
- Nurse practitioner–led, no physician. Possible only where state law gives the NP enough independent authority for your menu.
- PC-MSO provider. One company supplies the physician, the physician-owned entity where your state needs one, the protocols and the exam workflow. This is the MDside model.
Side-by-side comparison
| Matching marketplace | Local physician hire | NP-led, no physician | PC-MSO provider (MDside) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who finds the physician | The marketplace introduces one | You | Not applicable | We supply and contract them |
| Who holds the clinical entity where the state requires a physician owner | Usually left to you and the physician | You and the physician | Only works where the NP may own it | We form or realign it |
| Who writes the protocols | Depends on the physician | The physician, or templates you buy | The NP | We write them against your menu and keep them current |
| If the physician leaves | You go back to the marketplace | You start over | Not applicable | We replace them; your structure stays in place |
| Fee structure | Set by the physician or platform; check for percentages | Whatever you negotiate; percentages are common | None for a director | One flat monthly fee per practice; never a percentage |
| Good faith exams | Often a separate service | The physician, or a delegate where allowed | The NP, where scope allows | On our platform, if you need them |
| More than one state | A new match per state | A new physician per state | An NP license and authority in each state | All 50 states and D.C. |
| Time to first patient | A match first, then your own contracting | As long as recruiting takes | Immediate, if the state allows it | Typically one week or less from signing |
Which model fits
You may not need a medical director at all
In some states an NP-owned clinic with full practice authority can run an aesthetics menu without a physician. Arizona is the clearest example. Check NP scope by state and when an NP can be the medical director before paying anyone. Our free state review will tell you if this is your situation.
A local physician can be the right answer
If you operate in one state, know an engaged physician who will actually attend, and have counsel to build the entity and agreement, a direct hire works. Make sure the fee is fixed, the agreement says who replaces them, and someone owns the protocols.
A marketplace gets you an introduction
A marketplace is faster than recruiting cold. What you get is an introduction to a physician. Who writes the protocols, who replaces the physician if they leave, and how the fee works then depend on that physician and the contract you sign with them.
A PC-MSO provider fits multi-state, online and non-clinician owners
If you operate in more than one state, sell online, or are not a clinician in a state that requires a physician-owned practice, the entity, the physician and the protocols have to fit together. Getting them from one accountable party is the point of the model. Read how the friendly PC-MSO structure works.
Red flags in any model
- A percentage of revenue. It is fee splitting in the states that matter, and unlawful in New York.
- A director who never attends. North Carolina’s board has described the straw-director pattern as aiding the unlicensed practice of medicine.
- A physician licensed somewhere other than your state. Verify the license with the state board yourself.
- No replacement clause. If the physician leaves, your practice stops until someone else signs.
- No answer on records. Ask who keeps patient records if the relationship ends. Read how to fire a medical director before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
What does a medical director cost?
It depends on the state, the supervision it requires and your menu. MDside charges one flat monthly fee per practice with no startup fee; see how our pricing works. For the market as a whole, read what a medical director costs in 2026.
How fast can MDside get us started?
Typically one week or less from a signed agreement to your first patient. Where a new professional entity has to be formed, or the state licenses clinics, the state’s processing time sits on top.
Which states does MDside cover?
All 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Can we switch from our current medical director?
Yes. We review your existing agreement and entity during the free state review and tell you what has to change. Read how to fire a medical director for the steps on your side.