Need a doctor who prescribes Adempas (Riociguat)? Learn which specialists treat PAH and CTEPH, and how to find one near you in 2026.
If you've been diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), your doctor may have mentioned Adempas (Riociguat). Or maybe you've done your own research and want to ask about it. Either way, there's a catch: not every doctor can prescribe Adempas.
Adempas is a specialty medication with a restricted distribution system called REMS. It requires specific expertise to prescribe and monitor safely. That means you'll need the right kind of specialist — and finding one isn't always straightforward, especially if you don't live near a major medical center.
This guide walks you through exactly what type of doctor prescribes Adempas, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.
Adempas is typically prescribed by doctors who specialize in pulmonary hypertension (PH). In practice, that usually means one of these specialists:
Pulmonologists are lung specialists, and many of them have additional training or experience in pulmonary hypertension. A pulmonologist who focuses on PH is often your best bet for Adempas. They understand the complexity of PAH and CTEPH, the diagnostic workup required, and the monitoring you'll need once you start treatment.
Because pulmonary hypertension directly affects the heart, some cardiologists specialize in this area. These doctors often work within PH programs at academic medical centers. They bring expertise in right heart catheterization — the gold standard test for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension — and can manage the cardiac aspects of your condition alongside your medication.
Many major hospitals and university medical centers have dedicated pulmonary hypertension programs with multidisciplinary teams. These programs typically include pulmonologists, cardiologists, specialized nurses, and pharmacists who all work together. If you have access to one, this is often the ideal setting for managing complex PH treatment including Adempas.
Primary care physicians generally don't prescribe Adempas. The medication requires specialized knowledge for proper dosing (it starts at 1 mg three times daily and is titrated up to a maximum of 2.5 mg three times daily), monitoring for side effects like hypotension and bleeding, and enrollment in the REMS program. Most PCPs will refer you to a specialist instead — and that's the right call.
Here are the most effective ways to locate a doctor who can prescribe Adempas:
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association maintains a directory of accredited PH care centers across the United States. These centers have demonstrated expertise in diagnosing and treating pulmonary hypertension. Visit phassociation.org and look for their care center finder tool. This is one of the most reliable ways to find a qualified PH specialist.
Log into your health insurance portal and search for pulmonologists or cardiologists in your network. Use keywords like "pulmonary hypertension" if the directory allows specialty filtering. Being in-network matters — specialist visits and the ongoing monitoring you'll need can add up quickly if you're paying out-of-network rates.
Your PCP likely knows which specialists in your area treat pulmonary hypertension. Ask specifically for a referral to a PH specialist, not just any pulmonologist. Many insurance plans require a PCP referral before you can see a specialist, so this step may be necessary regardless.
University hospitals and large medical centers often have the most experienced PH teams. Even if the nearest one is a few hours away, many patients travel for their initial evaluation and then coordinate ongoing care with a local doctor. Some notable PH programs are at institutions like Cleveland Clinic, UCSD, Johns Hopkins, and Massachusetts General — but there are many others across the country.
Telehealth has expanded significantly, and some PH specialists now offer virtual consultations for follow-up visits. While your initial evaluation will almost certainly require an in-person visit (including diagnostic testing like a right heart catheterization and imaging), subsequent appointments for medication management and monitoring can sometimes be done remotely. Ask any potential specialist if they offer telehealth visits.
Bayer's Aim Patient Support Program doesn't just help with medication access — they can also help connect you with prescribers in your area. Call 855-423-3672 to ask about physicians near you who prescribe Adempas.
Once you've found a PH specialist, here's what your first visit will typically involve:
Your specialist will review your history and may order additional testing if it hasn't been done recently. For CTEPH specifically, they'll want to confirm the diagnosis with imaging and possibly a right heart catheterization. For PAH, they'll assess your functional class (how much your condition limits your activity) and discuss treatment options.
If Adempas is appropriate for you, the doctor will explain the REMS program requirements, discuss the potential side effects, and start the enrollment and prior authorization process.
Adempas requires close monitoring, especially during the dose titration period (the first 8 weeks or so). You'll likely need to see your doctor every 2 weeks initially to check your blood pressure and adjust your dose. After you reach a stable maintenance dose, visits typically shift to every 3-6 months.
Getting the prescription is just the first step. Here's what comes next:
If you run into problems filling your prescription, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with Adempas in stock.
Finding the right doctor for Adempas takes a bit more effort than finding a doctor for most medications. You need a PH specialist — typically a pulmonologist or cardiologist with specific expertise in pulmonary hypertension — and you may need to travel to an academic medical center for your initial evaluation.
But the effort is worth it. The right specialist will not only prescribe and monitor Adempas safely but will also serve as your partner in managing a complex condition for the long term.
Start with the PHA care center directory, check your insurance network, and don't hesitate to call the Aim support line at 855-423-3672. And if you're still learning about Adempas, our guide on what Adempas is and how it works is a great place to start.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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