Finding the Right Doctor for Adalimumab

Adalimumab — sold as Humira and now available as more than 10 biosimilar versions — is one of the most widely prescribed biologic medications in the world. It treats conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to Crohn's disease to plaque psoriasis. But unlike a simple prescription you can pick up at any pharmacy, adalimumab requires a specialist to prescribe it and a specialty pharmacy to fill it.

If you think adalimumab might be right for you, or your current doctor suggested it, this guide walks you through exactly how to find a prescribing provider near you in 2026.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Adalimumab?

Adalimumab is prescribed by specialists who treat the conditions it's approved for. The type of doctor you need depends on your diagnosis:

• Rheumatologist — for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Gastroenterologist — for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Dermatologist — for plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa
• Ophthalmologist — for uveitis
• Internal medicine or primary care — some primary care doctors can prescribe adalimumab, especially if they manage your autoimmune condition, though most will refer you to a specialist first

In almost every case, you'll need a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing one of these specialists, especially if your insurance requires it.

How to Find a Provider Who Prescribes Adalimumab

Here are the most reliable ways to find a prescribing doctor near you:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's online provider directory. Search for the specialty you need (rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, or ophthalmology) filtered by your plan. This ensures the doctor is in-network, which matters a lot when you're dealing with a medication that can cost $6,900 to $11,000 per month at list price for brand Humira.

2. Try Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and WebMD's physician finder let you search by specialty, condition, and insurance plan. You can often book an appointment directly online. Filter for doctors who treat your specific condition — for example, search "rheumatoid arthritis" rather than just "rheumatology" to find providers experienced with biologic therapies.

3. Ask for a Referral from Your Primary Care Doctor

Your primary care physician likely has a network of specialists they refer patients to regularly. Ask specifically for someone who has experience prescribing biologic medications like adalimumab. This can save you time compared to cold-searching online.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has expanded significantly since the pandemic, and many specialists now offer virtual consultations. While your first appointment may need to be in person (especially if lab work or imaging is needed), follow-up visits and prescription management can often be done via telehealth. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area without nearby specialists.

5. Contact the Manufacturer

AbbVie's HUMIRA Complete program can help connect you with doctors in your area who prescribe adalimumab. Call 1-800-4HUMIRA for assistance. Biosimilar manufacturers like Amgen and Sandoz also offer patient support programs.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

When you see a specialist about adalimumab, here's what typically happens:

• Medical history review — The doctor will want to know about your condition, symptoms, and what treatments you've already tried.
• Prior therapy requirement — Most insurance plans require step therapy, meaning you'll need to have tried and failed on conventional treatments (like methotrexate for RA) before insurance will approve adalimumab.
• Lab work — Before starting adalimumab, you'll be tested for latent tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B. These are required screenings because adalimumab suppresses part of your immune system.
• Discussion of risks and benefits — Your doctor will explain the potential side effects, including the boxed warning about serious infections and malignancy risk.
• Insurance prior authorization — The doctor's office will typically submit a prior authorization to your insurance. This process can take a few days to a few weeks.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have an adalimumab prescription, the process works a bit differently than with regular medications:

Specialty Pharmacy Dispensing

Adalimumab is dispensed through specialty pharmacies, not your local CVS or Walgreens (though some chain pharmacies have specialty divisions). Your doctor's office will coordinate with the specialty pharmacy, which will contact you to arrange delivery. The medication requires cold-chain shipping since it must be refrigerated at 36–46°F (2–8°C).

Injection Training

If you've never given yourself an injection before, don't worry. Most manufacturer programs — including HUMIRA Complete — offer free nurse training either in person or by phone. The prefilled pen is designed to be easy to use at home.

Finding Affordable Options

Cost can be a major barrier. Brand Humira lists at $6,900–$11,000 per month, but biosimilar versions like Hadlima and Hyrimoz are available for $1,300–$1,900 per month. With insurance, most patients pay far less. Check our guide on how to save money on adalimumab for copay cards and patient assistance programs.

If you're having trouble finding adalimumab at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor to prescribe adalimumab doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your primary care doctor for a referral, use your insurance directory to find in-network specialists, and don't hesitate to explore telehealth options. The most important step is simply getting started — the sooner you connect with a specialist, the sooner you can begin treatment and start feeling better.

Once you have your prescription, use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability and find the best price near you.