Finding the Right Doctor for Biktarvy

If you've been told you need Biktarvy — or you're looking to switch to it — the first step is finding a provider who regularly prescribes it. Not every doctor is experienced with HIV antiretroviral therapy, and working with the right provider can make a big difference in how smooth the process is.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find a prescriber, what kind of doctor to look for, and what to expect at your first visit.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Biktarvy?

Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV-1. It's typically prescribed by:

• Infectious disease specialists — doctors who specialize in treating HIV and other infections
• HIV/AIDS specialists — providers whose practice focuses primarily on HIV care
• Primary care physicians — some family medicine or internal medicine doctors who have experience managing HIV

For most patients, an infectious disease specialist or HIV specialist is the best starting point. These providers are familiar with drug interactions, resistance testing, and the monitoring labs you'll need while on Biktarvy.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start by checking your health plan's online directory. Search for "infectious disease" or "HIV specialist" in your area. This ensures the provider is in-network, which will keep your costs lower.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Both platforms let you filter by specialty, insurance accepted, and location. Search for "infectious disease" or "HIV doctor" and look for providers with experience in antiretroviral therapy.

3. Ask for a Referral

Your primary care doctor can refer you to an HIV specialist. If you're already seeing a provider for other conditions, ask them for a referral — many insurance plans require one anyway.

4. Contact Your Local Health Department

Many city and county health departments maintain lists of HIV care providers. If you're uninsured or underinsured, they can also connect you with Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program clinics, which provide HIV care and medication assistance regardless of your ability to pay.

5. Try Telehealth

Telehealth is an option for HIV management, and some providers offer virtual appointments for medication management including Biktarvy. This can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area without nearby HIV specialists. Platforms like FOLX Health, Nurx, and some academic medical centers offer telehealth HIV care.

6. Use the HIV.gov Locator

The federal government maintains a provider locator at HIV.gov that helps you find HIV testing, care, and treatment services near your ZIP code.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

When you see a new provider about Biktarvy, here's what typically happens:

• Medical history review — your provider will ask about your HIV diagnosis, any previous antiretroviral medications, and your overall health history
• Lab work — expect blood tests including HIV viral load, CD4 count, hepatitis B screening (important because of Biktarvy's boxed warning about hepatitis B), kidney function, and resistance testing if you've been on other medications
• Medication review — your doctor will check for drug interactions with anything else you take, including supplements and over-the-counter medications
• Treatment discussion — if Biktarvy is appropriate for you, your provider will explain the dosage and how to take it

Bring a list of all medications and supplements you currently take, your insurance card, and any previous lab results if you have them.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes a prescription for Biktarvy, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. A few things to keep in mind:

• Specialty vs. retail pharmacy — some insurance plans require you to fill Biktarvy through a specialty pharmacy. Your provider's office can usually help you figure this out.
• Stock availability — while Biktarvy isn't in a formal shortage, some retail pharmacies may not keep it in stock. Check our guide on how to check pharmacy stock before making the trip.
• Cost and savings — Biktarvy's cash price runs $3,500–$4,000 per month. Most patients use insurance, and Gilead offers a copay card that can bring your cost to $0. See our full guide on saving money on Biktarvy.

If you have trouble finding Biktarvy in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that have it available near you.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor is the foundation of good HIV care. Whether you see an infectious disease specialist, an HIV-focused primary care provider, or use telehealth, what matters most is that your provider is experienced with antiretroviral therapy and monitors you appropriately. With the right care team in place, staying on Biktarvy and maintaining an undetectable viral load becomes much more manageable.