Need a doctor who prescribes Entresto? Learn which specialists prescribe it, how to find a provider near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart failure, you may have heard about Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) — one of the most important advances in heart failure treatment in decades. But getting a prescription isn't always as simple as walking into any doctor's office and asking for it.
This guide walks you through the types of doctors who prescribe Entresto, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first appointment — so you can get started on the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Entresto is a prescription medication classified as an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI). It's used to treat heart failure — specifically to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization. Because it's a specialized heart failure medication, certain types of doctors are more likely to prescribe it than others.
Cardiologists are the most common prescribers of Entresto. These are doctors who specialize in diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a cardiologist is typically the one managing your medications.
Some cardiologists have additional training specifically in advanced heart failure. These specialists work with patients who have more complex or severe heart failure and are very familiar with prescribing Entresto.
Internists — especially those comfortable managing chronic conditions — can prescribe Entresto. Many patients first learn about Entresto from their internal medicine doctor before being referred to a specialist.
Your family doctor or primary care physician (PCP) can technically prescribe Entresto. In practice, many PCPs prefer to have a cardiologist initiate the medication, since Entresto requires careful dose titration and monitoring. However, primary care doctors increasingly manage stable heart failure patients on Entresto once the dose is established.
For older adults managing heart failure alongside other age-related conditions, geriatricians may prescribe and manage Entresto as part of a broader care plan.
Now that you know which doctors prescribe Entresto, here's how to actually find one in your area.
Start with your insurance company's online directory. Most insurance websites let you search for in-network specialists by type. Search for "cardiologist" or "heart failure specialist" in your ZIP code. This ensures the doctor you see will be covered by your plan, which matters especially since Entresto can require prior authorization.
Online platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for cardiologists by location, insurance accepted, and patient reviews. You can often book an appointment directly through these sites. Look for doctors who list heart failure as a specialty or area of focus.
If you already have a PCP, ask for a referral to a cardiologist. Your PCP knows your full medical history and can refer you to a specialist who is the best fit for your situation. Many insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before you can see a specialist, so this step may be necessary anyway.
Most hospitals have a "Find a Doctor" tool on their website. Search for cardiologists affiliated with hospitals in your area. Academic medical centers and large health systems often have dedicated heart failure clinics with teams experienced in prescribing Entresto.
If you live in a rural area or have difficulty traveling, telehealth may be an option. Many cardiologists now offer virtual visits for follow-up care and medication management. While an initial evaluation for heart failure often requires in-person testing (like an echocardiogram), ongoing Entresto management can sometimes be handled via telehealth.
If you're having trouble finding Entresto at your local pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with it in stock near you — so once you get your prescription, you'll know exactly where to fill it.
Once you've found a doctor, here's what you can expect during your visit to discuss Entresto.
Your doctor will review your complete medical history, including your heart failure diagnosis, ejection fraction (from an echocardiogram), current medications, kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels. All of these factors determine whether Entresto is right for you.
This is critical: if you're currently taking an ACE inhibitor (like Lisinopril, Enalapril, or Ramipril), you must stop it and wait at least 36 hours before starting Entresto. Your doctor will plan this transition carefully to keep you safe.
Most patients start on Entresto 49/51 mg (also labeled as the 100 mg tablet) taken twice daily. If you have severe kidney impairment, moderate liver problems, or weren't previously taking an ACE inhibitor or ARB, your doctor may start you on the lower 24/26 mg dose. The goal is to work up to the target dose of 97/103 mg twice daily over several weeks.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments — typically every 2 to 4 weeks during the titration phase — to check your blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels. Once you're stable on your target dose, visits become less frequent.
Don't be afraid to bring up cost. Brand-name Entresto can run $600–$700 per month without insurance, though generic Sacubitril/Valsartan is now available for as low as $45 per month with a discount card. The Novartis Co-Pay Card can also reduce costs to as little as $10 per month for commercially insured patients.
Once your doctor writes the prescription, a few things to keep in mind:
Finding the right doctor to prescribe Entresto doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your insurance directory or ask your PCP for a referral to a cardiologist. If cost or pharmacy availability is a concern, tools like Medfinder can help you locate the medication near you and find savings programs to make it affordable.
Heart failure is a serious condition, but medications like Entresto have been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and improve outcomes. The sooner you connect with the right doctor, the sooner you can start treatment.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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