Finding the Right Doctor for Kerendia

If you've been told that Kerendia (Finerenone) might help protect your kidneys or heart, the next step is finding a doctor who can prescribe it. Kerendia is a specialized medication — it's a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) used primarily for chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes and certain types of heart failure. Not every doctor is familiar with it, and not every practice stocks the paperwork needed for prior authorization.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to find the right provider, what to bring to your appointment, and how to get your prescription filled.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Kerendia?

Kerendia is most commonly prescribed by:

• Nephrologists — kidney specialists. This is the most common prescriber for Kerendia's CKD indication.
• Cardiologists — heart specialists, especially for patients with heart failure (HFpEF or HFmrEF).
• Endocrinologists — diabetes specialists who manage the full picture of type 2 diabetes complications.
• Internal medicine doctors — some internists who manage complex chronic conditions may prescribe Kerendia.
• Primary care / family medicine doctors — less common, but some PCPs who manage CKD and diabetes in-house may initiate or continue a Kerendia prescription.

If you already see a nephrologist or cardiologist, they're the best person to ask about Kerendia. If your primary care doctor manages your diabetes and kidney function, start the conversation there — they can prescribe it or refer you to a specialist.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Your health insurance plan has an online directory of in-network doctors. Search for nephrologists or cardiologists in your area. This ensures the visit is covered at your plan's in-network rate, which matters when you'll likely need follow-up appointments for potassium monitoring.

2. Try Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Websites like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for specialists by location, insurance, and availability. You can filter for nephrologists or cardiologists and see patient reviews. Some doctors list their areas of focus, which can help you find someone experienced with CKD and MRA therapy.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If your insurance requires referrals for specialists (common with HMO plans), your PCP can refer you to a nephrologist or cardiologist who is likely to be familiar with Kerendia. Your PCP may also have colleagues they trust for this type of care.

4. Consider Telehealth

Kerendia can be prescribed via telehealth. If you live in a rural area or have trouble getting to a specialist, telehealth nephrology and cardiology services are available through platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, and some academic medical centers. Just make sure the provider is licensed in your state and can order the necessary lab work (potassium and kidney function tests).

5. Contact Bayer's Patient Support

Bayer, the manufacturer of Kerendia, offers patient support services that can help connect you with prescribers familiar with the medication. They can also help with insurance navigation and the savings programs available for Kerendia.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see a doctor about Kerendia, here's what to prepare for:

Before the Visit

• Gather your records: Bring recent lab results (eGFR, serum potassium, A1C), a list of all current medications, and any prior authorization paperwork from previous treatments.
• Know your kidney function: Your starting dose of Kerendia depends on your eGFR. Patients with eGFR 25 to less than 60 start at 10 mg daily; patients with eGFR 60 or above start at 20 mg daily.
• List your medications: This is critical because Kerendia has important drug interactions, especially with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, and Ritonavir.

During the Visit

Your doctor will likely:

• Review your kidney function and diabetes management
• Check your serum potassium level (must be 4.8 mEq/L or below to start Kerendia)
• Discuss the benefits and potential side effects of Kerendia
• Review your medication list for interactions
• Submit a prior authorization to your insurance if needed

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Is Kerendia the right choice for my specific situation?
• How often will I need potassium and kidney function monitoring?
• What should I do if my potassium gets too high?
• Can I take this with my current medications?
• Will my insurance cover it, and can your office help with prior authorization?

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes the prescription, the next step is filling it. Kerendia is a specialty medication that not every pharmacy keeps in stock. Here are your options:

• Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Kerendia in stock right now.
• Try a specialty pharmacy: Many insurance plans require Kerendia to be filled through a specialty or mail-order pharmacy.
• Ask about the savings card: Bayer's Kerendia Savings Card can reduce your copay to as low as $0 per month for commercially insured patients. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Kerendia.

If you're having trouble finding Kerendia in stock at a pharmacy, our guide to checking pharmacy stock has step-by-step instructions.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor for Kerendia doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your current care team — your nephrologist, cardiologist, or primary care doctor. If they're not familiar with Kerendia, use your insurance directory or online search tools to find a specialist who is. Telehealth is also a great option if specialists aren't easily accessible in your area.

The most important thing is to get the conversation started. Kerendia has shown real benefits in protecting kidney function and reducing cardiovascular risk in clinical trials, and the right provider can help you figure out if it's the right fit for you.