Need a Prescription for Eliquis? Here's How to Find the Right Doctor

If you've been told you need a blood thinner like Eliquis (Apixaban), the next step is finding a doctor who can prescribe it. Whether you're newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, recovering from a blood clot, or preparing for surgery, this guide will help you find the right provider near you in 2026.

Eliquis is a prescription-only medication, which means you'll need a licensed healthcare provider to evaluate your condition and write a prescription. The good news is that several types of doctors can prescribe it, and there are multiple ways to find one — even from home.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Eliquis?

Eliquis is prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers. The type of doctor you see will depend on why you need a blood thinner:

• Primary care doctors and family medicine physicians — Often the first to diagnose conditions like atrial fibrillation or DVT. They can prescribe and manage Eliquis for many patients.
• Cardiologists — Specialists in heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). If your AFib is complex or you have other heart problems, a cardiologist is usually the best fit.
• Hematologists — Blood disorder specialists who manage conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Internal medicine doctors — Similar to primary care, these doctors handle a broad range of adult conditions and frequently prescribe blood thinners.
• Vascular surgeons — Specialize in blood vessel conditions and may prescribe Eliquis for clot prevention.
• Pulmonologists — Lung specialists who may prescribe Eliquis for pulmonary embolism.
• Emergency medicine physicians — May start you on Eliquis in the ER after diagnosing a clot, then refer you to a specialist for follow-up.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can also prescribe Eliquis in most states.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Eliquis in your area. Here are the most effective options:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's online directory. This ensures the doctor you find is in-network, which will keep your costs lower. Most insurance websites let you search by specialty (like "cardiology" or "internal medicine") and location.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Zocdoc lets you search for doctors by specialty, location, and insurance plan. You can often book an appointment online the same day. Healthgrades and Vitals are also good options for finding rated providers in your area.

3. Ask for a Referral from Your Primary Care Doctor

If you already have a primary care doctor, ask them for a referral to a cardiologist or hematologist. They can recommend someone they trust and who accepts your insurance. Some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits.

4. Try Telehealth

You don't always need an in-person visit to get an Eliquis prescription. Telehealth services let you see a doctor from home by video or phone. This can be especially helpful if:

• You live in a rural area with limited specialists
• You have mobility issues
• You need a quick follow-up or refill
• You want to avoid long wait times

Many primary care and cardiology practices now offer telehealth visits. You can also use platforms like Teladoc, Amwell, or your insurance plan's virtual care option.

5. Check Community Health Centers

If you're uninsured or underinsured, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer care on a sliding scale based on income. Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Once you've found a doctor, here's what to prepare for at your first visit:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will ask about your health conditions, past blood clots, surgeries, and bleeding history.
• Current medications — Bring a list of everything you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications interact with Eliquis, so this is important.
• Blood tests — You may need kidney function tests and a complete blood count (CBC) before starting Eliquis.
• Discussion of risks and benefits — Your doctor will explain how Eliquis works, its potential side effects, and why it's recommended for your condition.
• Dosing decision — Most patients take Eliquis 5 mg twice daily, but some need the lower 2.5 mg dose based on age, weight, or kidney function.

The appointment itself is usually straightforward. Your doctor will either prescribe Eliquis directly or refer you to a specialist if needed.

After You Get Your Prescription

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

• Check availability first. While Eliquis isn't in a formal shortage, some pharmacies may be temporarily out of stock. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you before making the trip.
• Ask about savings. Eliquis can cost $520 to $800 per month without insurance. The Eliquis Co-Pay Card may reduce your copay to as low as $0 if you have commercial insurance. Learn more about savings options for Eliquis.
• Don't skip doses. Eliquis has a boxed warning about increased stroke risk if you stop taking it suddenly. Take it exactly as prescribed and set reminders if needed.
• Schedule follow-ups. Your doctor will want to see you regularly to monitor your response to Eliquis and check for any side effects.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Eliquis doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your primary care doctor, use your insurance directory, or try telehealth for convenience. The most important thing is not to delay — if you've been told you need a blood thinner, getting started on treatment quickly can help protect you from stroke, blood clots, and other serious complications.

Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy with Eliquis in stock near you.