Finding the Right Doctor for Kesimpta

If you've been diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis — or think you might benefit from a newer treatment — finding a doctor who can prescribe Kesimpta (Ofatumumab) is a critical first step. Not every physician can or will prescribe this medication, so knowing where to look can save you weeks of frustration.

This guide walks you through the type of specialist you need, how to find one, and what to expect once you're in the office.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Kesimpta?

Kesimpta is a specialty biologic used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It's not something your primary care doctor will typically prescribe. You'll need to see a neurologist — ideally one who specializes in MS or neuroimmunology.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• General neurologist — Can prescribe Kesimpta, though they may refer complex cases to an MS specialist.
• MS specialist / neuroimmunologist — The gold standard for MS treatment decisions. These doctors focus exclusively on MS and related conditions.
• Academic medical center neurologists — Often involved in clinical trials and have deep familiarity with newer biologics like Kesimpta.

If you already have a neurologist but they haven't mentioned Kesimpta, it's perfectly reasonable to ask about it or request a referral to an MS specialist for a second opinion.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several practical ways to locate a doctor who prescribes Kesimpta:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's online directory. Search for neurologists in your area and filter by specialty if possible. This ensures you're seeing someone in-network, which matters given that Kesimpta can cost $6,800 to $7,500 per month before insurance.

2. Try Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for neurologists by location, insurance accepted, and patient reviews. Look for doctors who list "multiple sclerosis" as a treatment focus.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If you're starting from scratch, your PCP can refer you to a neurologist. Many insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits anyway. Be specific — ask for someone experienced with MS biologics.

4. Contact the National MS Society

The National MS Society (nationalmssociety.org) maintains a searchable database of MS care providers. Their MS Navigator program can also help you find local resources and specialists.

5. Call Novartis Support

Novartis, the maker of Kesimpta, offers patient support through their Kesimpta Access Card program. They can help connect you with prescribers and specialty pharmacies. Visit start.kesimpta.com or call for assistance.

6. Explore Telehealth (With Caveats)

Kesimpta requires an in-person component — your first injection should be supervised by a healthcare professional. However, follow-up visits and treatment monitoring can sometimes be done via telehealth with your neurologist. This is especially helpful if the nearest MS specialist is hours away.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Once you've found a neurologist, here's what a typical first visit looks like when discussing Kesimpta:

• Medical history review — Your doctor will go over your MS diagnosis, previous treatments, and current symptoms.
• MRI and lab work — If not recently done, expect brain and spinal cord MRIs plus blood work. Kesimpta requires screening for hepatitis B before starting treatment.
• Treatment discussion — Your doctor will explain how Kesimpta works, its benefits and risks, and how it compares to alternatives like Ocrevus, Tysabri, or Aubagio.
• Insurance and access — The office may have a patient access coordinator who handles prior authorization. This is common for specialty biologics.

Don't be afraid to bring a list of questions. This is a big decision, and a good neurologist will take the time to walk you through it.

After You Get Your Prescription

Getting a prescription for Kesimpta is just the beginning. Here's what comes next:

Specialty Pharmacy Enrollment

Kesimpta is typically dispensed through specialty pharmacies, not your local CVS or Walgreens. Your doctor's office will usually coordinate this. The specialty pharmacy ships the medication directly to your home.

First Injection Training

Your first Kesimpta injection should be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional. After that, you'll self-inject at home using the Sensoready auto-injector pen. The dosing schedule is:

• Loading doses: Week 0, Week 1, and Week 2
• Maintenance: Once monthly starting at Week 4

Savings and Financial Support

Don't skip the financial piece. The Kesimpta Access Card can bring your out-of-pocket cost to $0 for commercially insured patients, with up to $18,000 in annual co-pay assistance. If you're uninsured, the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation may provide Kesimpta for free. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Kesimpta.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor for Kesimpta doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on getting to a neurologist — preferably one with MS experience — and let the process unfold from there. Between insurance directories, online search tools, and manufacturer support, you have more options than you might think.

If you're already prescribed Kesimpta and need help locating it, Medfinder can help you find Kesimpta in stock near you.