Finding the Right Doctor for Descovy

Whether you're looking to start Descovy for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or as part of an HIV treatment regimen, finding a doctor who can prescribe it is the essential first step. It might feel overwhelming if you've never sought out this type of care before, but the good news is that more providers than ever are prescribing Descovy in 2026.

This guide walks you through exactly what type of doctor to look for, how to search for one using your insurance or online tools, and what to expect at your first appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Descovy?

Descovy can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers. You don't necessarily need a specialist. Here are the most common types of doctors who prescribe it:

• Primary care physicians (PCPs) — Many family medicine and internal medicine doctors are comfortable prescribing Descovy for PrEP. If you already have a PCP, this is often the easiest place to start.
• Infectious disease specialists — These doctors specialize in HIV and other infections. They're especially relevant if you're taking Descovy as part of HIV treatment.
• HIV/AIDS specialists — Doctors who focus specifically on HIV care are highly experienced with Descovy and similar medications.
• Sexual health and STI clinics — Many community health clinics and sexual health centers offer PrEP services, including Descovy prescriptions.
• LGBTQ+ health clinics — Clinics focused on LGBTQ+ healthcare often have extensive experience with PrEP prescribing.

In many states, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can also prescribe Descovy.

How to Find a Descovy Provider Near You

There are several practical ways to find a provider who can prescribe Descovy in your area:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, log into your plan's website and search for in-network providers. Look for primary care doctors, infectious disease specialists, or search for "PrEP" or "HIV prevention" if your plan's directory supports keyword searches. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health plans must cover PrEP medications — including Descovy — at $0 cost sharing, which includes related lab work and office visits.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Similar Platforms

Websites like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for doctors by specialty, location, and insurance. Try searching for "PrEP doctor" or "HIV specialist" in your ZIP code. Many of these platforms show patient reviews and appointment availability.

3. Ask for a Referral

Your current doctor can refer you to a specialist who prescribes Descovy. Even if your PCP doesn't prescribe it themselves, they likely know colleagues who do.

4. Use the PrEP Locator

The PrEP Locator (preplocator.org) is a free tool from Emory University that helps you find PrEP providers in your area. It includes clinics, private practices, and community health centers across the U.S.

5. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has made it easier than ever to get a Descovy prescription without visiting a doctor's office in person. Several telehealth platforms now offer PrEP services, including lab order coordination and prescription management. This can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area or prefer the privacy of a virtual visit.

Popular telehealth options for PrEP include services like Nurx, MISTR, QuickMD, and Plushcare. Many accept insurance and can prescribe Descovy directly.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Knowing what happens at a Descovy appointment can help ease any anxiety. Here's a typical overview:

• HIV test — Before starting Descovy for PrEP, you must have a confirmed negative HIV test. This is a requirement, not optional. Descovy's boxed warning states it should only be prescribed to individuals confirmed HIV-negative.
• Kidney function test — Your doctor will check your kidney health with a blood test (serum creatinine and estimated creatinine clearance). Descovy is not recommended for patients with severely reduced kidney function.
• Hepatitis B screening — Because stopping Descovy can cause severe hepatitis B flare-ups in co-infected patients, your doctor will test for hepatitis B.
• STI screening — Many providers will also screen for other sexually transmitted infections.
• Discussion of your risk factors — Your doctor will talk with you about your sexual health history and why PrEP may be right for you.

The appointment is usually straightforward and takes 20 to 40 minutes. Most patients start their prescription the same day.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Descovy prescription, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. Descovy costs $2,200 to $2,944 per month without insurance, but most insured patients pay $0 thanks to ACA coverage requirements. If cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Descovy.

If you're having trouble finding a pharmacy that has Descovy in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that currently carry it. You can also read our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Descovy in stock.

Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments — typically every three months — to retest for HIV, check kidney function, and renew your prescription.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Descovy is easier than you might think. Whether you go through your primary care doctor, a specialist clinic, or a telehealth platform, the most important step is getting started. PrEP is a powerful tool for HIV prevention, and Descovy offers a well-tolerated option with an improved safety profile for kidney and bone health compared to older alternatives.

If you're ready to find Descovy near you, visit Medfinder to check pharmacy availability in your area.