Need a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Apixaban?

If you've been told you need a blood thinner — or you're already taking Apixaban (brand name Eliquis) and need a new prescriber — finding the right doctor doesn't have to be complicated. Apixaban is one of the most widely prescribed anticoagulants in the United States, used by millions of patients to prevent strokes, blood clots, and related complications.

This guide walks you through exactly which types of doctors prescribe Apixaban, how to find one near you (even if you don't have a referral), and what to expect at your first appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Apixaban?

Apixaban is not a controlled substance, so it can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers. The most common include:

• Primary care physicians and family medicine doctors — These are often the first providers to diagnose conditions like atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and start patients on Apixaban.
• Cardiologists — If you have atrial fibrillation or another heart condition, a cardiologist may manage your Apixaban therapy long-term.
• Hematologists — Specialists in blood disorders who treat DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), and clotting conditions.
• Internal medicine doctors — Internists handle a broad range of adult health issues and frequently prescribe anticoagulants.
• Vascular medicine specialists — For patients with vein-related clotting issues.
• Orthopedic surgeons — May prescribe Apixaban for DVT prevention after hip or knee replacement surgery.
• Emergency medicine physicians — Can initiate Apixaban in urgent situations like a new PE or DVT diagnosis.

In many states, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can also prescribe Apixaban independently or under physician supervision.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several effective ways to find a doctor who prescribes Apixaban, depending on your insurance status and preferences.

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

The fastest way to find an in-network prescriber is through your insurance company's online directory. Most major insurers — including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana — have searchable databases where you can filter by specialty (cardiology, hematology, internal medicine) and location.

This ensures you won't face surprise out-of-network charges for your office visit or any follow-up lab work.

2. Search on Zocdoc

Zocdoc lets you search for doctors by specialty, insurance, and availability. You can often book a same-week appointment with a cardiologist or internist in your area. It also shows verified patient reviews, which can help you choose a provider you're comfortable with.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already have a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a cardiologist or hematologist. Many insurance plans — particularly HMOs — require a referral before you can see a specialist. Your PCP can also start you on Apixaban directly if they feel comfortable managing your care.

4. Try Telehealth

Apixaban is widely available through telehealth platforms because it's not a controlled substance. Services like Teladoc, Amwell, MDLIVE, and your insurance plan's virtual care option may be able to evaluate you, order necessary tests, and write a prescription remotely.

Telehealth is especially useful if you live in a rural area, have mobility issues, or simply need a prescription refill from a new provider quickly.

5. Contact a Local Hospital or Health System

Most hospitals have physician referral lines you can call. Tell them you need a provider who manages anticoagulation therapy, and they'll match you with the right specialist in their network.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether you're starting Apixaban for the first time or transferring care to a new doctor, here's what typically happens at your visit:

• Medical history review — The doctor will ask about your diagnosis (atrial fibrillation, DVT, PE, etc.), current medications, bleeding history, kidney function, and liver health.
• Lab work — You may need a complete blood count (CBC), kidney function test (creatinine), and liver function tests. Unlike Warfarin, Apixaban does not require routine INR monitoring.
• Dose determination — The standard dose is 5 mg twice daily. However, your doctor may prescribe 2.5 mg twice daily if you have at least two of the following: age 80 or older, body weight 60 kg (132 lbs) or less, or serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or higher.
• Side effect discussion — Your doctor will explain the common and serious side effects of Apixaban, including bleeding risks.
• Drug interaction check — Bring a complete list of all medications and supplements you take. Certain drugs can interact with Apixaban and may require dose adjustments.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes your Apixaban prescription, the next step is filling it at a pharmacy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Finding It in Stock

While Apixaban supply has improved significantly since generics launched in late 2024, some patients still encounter availability issues at certain pharmacies. If your local pharmacy doesn't have it, try using Medfinder to locate pharmacies near you that have Apixaban in stock — without having to call around.

You can also read our guide on how to check pharmacy stock without calling.

Saving Money

Brand-name Eliquis costs $500–$600 per month without insurance. Generic Apixaban is significantly more affordable at $30–$80 per month. If cost is a concern, ask your doctor to prescribe generic Apixaban specifically, and check out our guide to saving money on Apixaban.

Don't Skip Doses

Apixaban has a boxed warning about premature discontinuation. Stopping the medication without medical supervision can increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Take it exactly as prescribed — twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart — and don't stop without talking to your doctor first.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Apixaban is straightforward because it's widely prescribed across multiple specialties. Whether you start with your primary care doctor, see a cardiologist, or use a telehealth service, the important thing is to get evaluated promptly — especially if you have a condition that puts you at risk for blood clots or stroke.

If you already have a prescription and need help finding a pharmacy with Apixaban in stock, Medfinder can help you locate it near you in seconds.