Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Accutane

If you've been dealing with severe acne that won't respond to other treatments, your next step may be Accutane (Isotretinoin). But not every doctor can or will prescribe it. Because of the iPLEDGE REMS program — a federal safety program required for all Isotretinoin prescriptions — only registered providers can write you a prescription.

This guide walks you through how to find the right doctor, what to expect at your appointment, and how to get started on treatment as smoothly as possible.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Accutane?

Dermatologists are the primary prescribers of Accutane. They specialize in skin conditions and are the most experienced with Isotretinoin's monitoring requirements, lab work, and the iPLEDGE program.

That said, some other providers may prescribe it:

• Family medicine / primary care doctors — Some PCPs are iPLEDGE-registered and willing to prescribe Isotretinoin, though this is less common.
• Pediatricians — For adolescents with severe nodular acne, some pediatricians manage Isotretinoin treatment.

In most cases, you'll want to see a board-certified dermatologist. They handle the vast majority of Isotretinoin prescriptions and know the process inside and out.

How to Find a Provider

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

Start with your insurance company's online provider directory. Search for dermatologists in your area who are in-network. This ensures you'll pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost for office visits and lab work. Call the office before booking and ask: "Does the doctor prescribe Isotretinoin, and are they enrolled in iPLEDGE?"

2. Search on Zocdoc

Zocdoc lets you search for dermatologists by location, insurance, and availability. You can often book online and read patient reviews. Filter for dermatologists and look for providers who mention acne or Isotretinoin in their profiles.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If you already have a PCP or family doctor, ask for a referral to a dermatologist. Many insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before you can see a specialist. Your doctor can also send over your medical history and past treatment records, which speeds up the process.

4. Contact the American Academy of Dermatology

The AAD's Find a Dermatologist tool lets you search by zip code. All listed providers are board-certified dermatologists.

5. What About Telehealth?

Because of iPLEDGE requirements — including regular lab work, pregnancy testing (for patients who can become pregnant), and monthly check-ins — Accutane is generally not prescribed via telehealth alone. You'll need in-person visits for blood draws and physical examinations. Some dermatologists offer a hybrid model where follow-up consultations happen virtually, but the initial evaluation and lab monitoring require in-person visits.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Once you've found a dermatologist, here's what a typical first appointment looks like:

1. Medical history review — Your doctor will ask about past acne treatments you've tried (topical retinoids, antibiotics like Doxycycline, Spironolactone, etc.).
2. Skin examination — They'll assess the severity of your acne and determine if Isotretinoin is appropriate.
3. Discussion of risks — Your doctor will explain the side effects of Accutane, including the critical risk of birth defects, and the iPLEDGE requirements.
4. iPLEDGE enrollment — Both you and your doctor must be registered in the iPLEDGE program before a prescription can be written.
5. Baseline lab work — Blood tests for liver function, cholesterol, triglycerides, and a pregnancy test (if applicable) are done before starting treatment.

Most patients don't start Isotretinoin on their first visit. There's typically a 30-day waiting period after iPLEDGE enrollment (for patients who can become pregnant) before you can pick up your first prescription.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Accutane prescription in hand, you'll need to fill it within a 7-day window from iPLEDGE authorization. This is where some patients run into trouble — not every pharmacy stocks Isotretinoin, and specific dose strengths can be hard to find.

If you're having trouble locating your medication, check out our guides on how to find Accutane in stock near you and how to check pharmacy stock without calling. You can also use Medfinder to quickly locate pharmacies that have your dose available.

During treatment, expect monthly follow-up visits that include:

• Blood work (liver function, lipids)
• Pregnancy testing (if applicable)
• iPLEDGE monthly verification
• Side effect check-in with your dermatologist

Tips to Speed Up the Process

• Bring your treatment history — Documentation of failed treatments helps your dermatologist justify Isotretinoin to insurance.
• Ask about prior authorization — Most insurance plans require it. Your dermatologist's office usually handles this, but it can take a few days to a few weeks.
• Start iPLEDGE enrollment early — Ask your doctor to register you at your first visit, even if you're still going through prior authorization.
• Know your costs — Generic Isotretinoin can cost $200 to $500/month without insurance, but coupons can bring it down to $40-$90/month. Read our guide to saving money on Accutane.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Accutane takes a little more effort than a typical prescription, but it's a well-defined process. Start with a board-certified dermatologist, make sure they're enrolled in iPLEDGE, and come prepared with your treatment history. The iPLEDGE program adds steps, but it exists to keep you safe — and once you're in the system, monthly refills become routine.

If you're ready to start your search, Medfinder can help you find Accutane in stock once you have your prescription.