Finding a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Dificid

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, you may need a prescription for Dificid (Fidaxomicin). But finding the right doctor — especially one familiar with this specialized antibiotic — can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through exactly how to find a provider who can prescribe Dificid near you in 2026.

Dificid is a narrow-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that targets C. diff bacteria in the gut. It's FDA-approved for C. diff-associated diarrhea in adults and children ages 6 months and older. Because C. diff infections can be serious and recurrent, getting the right prescription quickly matters. For a full overview of this medication, see our guide on what Dificid is and how it works.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Dificid?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Dificid:

• Gastroenterologists — These specialists focus on digestive system conditions and are often the primary prescribers of Dificid for recurrent or complicated C. diff infections.
• Infectious disease specialists — If your C. diff infection is severe or keeps coming back, an infectious disease doctor can help guide treatment, including prescribing Dificid.
• Primary care physicians — Your family doctor or internist can prescribe Dificid, especially for a first episode of C. diff. They may refer you to a specialist if the infection recurs.
• Hospitalists — If you're diagnosed with C. diff while hospitalized, the hospital doctor managing your care can prescribe Dificid before you're discharged.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In most states, NPs and PAs with prescriptive authority can also prescribe Dificid.

In general, any licensed prescriber can write a prescription for Dificid. However, because it's an expensive specialty antibiotic (brand-name Dificid can cost over $5,000 for a course of treatment), some insurance plans may require prior authorization or a specialist's recommendation before covering it.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are the most effective ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Dificid:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's online provider directory. Search for gastroenterologists or infectious disease specialists in your area who are in-network. This ensures you'll pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost for your visit and any prescriptions.

Most insurance companies let you search by specialty and zip code on their website or mobile app. You can also call the member services number on the back of your insurance card for help finding a provider.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for doctors by specialty, location, and insurance accepted. You can filter for gastroenterologists or infectious disease specialists and often book an appointment online.

Look for doctors with experience treating C. diff infections. Patient reviews can give you a sense of how responsive and knowledgeable a provider is.

3. Ask for a Referral from Your Primary Care Doctor

If you already have a primary care physician, ask them for a referral to a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist. Your PCP likely knows which local specialists have experience with C. diff and can help expedite the referral process.

Some insurance plans (like HMOs) require a referral from your PCP before you can see a specialist, so this step may be necessary anyway.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth visits have become widely available and can be a convenient option — especially if you're dealing with active diarrhea and don't want to travel far. Many gastroenterologists and infectious disease specialists now offer virtual appointments.

Platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, and MDLive connect you with licensed providers who can diagnose, prescribe, and manage C. diff treatment remotely. Just make sure the provider can prescribe in your state and that your pharmacy can fill the prescription.

5. Contact Your Local Hospital or Medical Center

Large hospitals and academic medical centers often have dedicated infectious disease or gastroenterology departments. If you've recently been hospitalized for C. diff, the discharge team can connect you with an outpatient provider for follow-up care.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you visit a doctor about a potential C. diff infection, here's what to expect:

• Symptom review — Your doctor will ask about your diarrhea (frequency, consistency, duration), recent antibiotic use, recent hospitalizations, and any prior C. diff episodes.
• Stool testing — C. diff is diagnosed through a stool sample, typically using a PCR test or toxin assay. Your doctor may order this test before prescribing treatment.
• Treatment discussion — If C. diff is confirmed, your doctor will discuss treatment options. For a first episode, Vancomycin is often tried first. Dificid may be recommended if you have recurrent infections or if your doctor prefers its narrower spectrum of activity.
• Insurance and cost conversation — Because Dificid is expensive, your doctor's office may need to submit a prior authorization to your insurance. Ask about this upfront so there are no surprises at the pharmacy.

Be sure to bring a list of all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. While Dificid has relatively few drug interactions, your doctor needs the full picture to prescribe safely.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes a prescription for Dificid, the next step is getting it filled. This can sometimes be the trickiest part — Dificid isn't always stocked at every pharmacy due to its high cost and specialized use.

Here's what to do:

• Check pharmacy stock — Use Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Dificid in stock. You can also read our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Dificid without calling.
• Ask about generic Fidaxomicin — As of July 2025, Teva Pharmaceuticals launched a generic version of Dificid (Fidaxomicin tablets). The generic can cost significantly less — around $1,300 with a coupon compared to over $5,000 for brand-name. Ask your pharmacist if the generic is available.
• Look into savings programs — There are manufacturer coupons and discount cards that can lower your cost. See our complete guide to saving money on Dificid.
• Start treatment promptly — C. diff infections can worsen quickly. Once you have your medication, begin taking it as directed: 200 mg twice daily for 10 days.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Dificid doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your insurance directory or ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist. Telehealth is also a convenient option if you're dealing with active symptoms.

The most important thing is to get treated quickly — C. diff infections can become serious if left untreated. Once you have your prescription, use Medfinder to find a pharmacy that has Dificid in stock so you can start your treatment without delay.