Finding a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Pegasys

If you've been told you need Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa-2a), your next step is finding the right doctor. Pegasys isn't something your regular primary care doctor typically prescribes — it's a specialty medication used for conditions like chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, and certain blood disorders like polycythemia vera. That means you'll likely need to see a specialist.

With the ongoing Pegasys shortage in 2026, finding a prescriber who knows how to navigate supply issues is more important than ever. This guide walks you through exactly how to find the right provider.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Pegasys?

Pegasys is prescribed by specialists who treat the conditions it's approved for. The three main types of doctors who prescribe it are:

• Hepatologists and Gastroenterologists — These doctors specialize in liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C. A hepatologist is the most common prescriber for Pegasys when it's used for viral hepatitis.
• Hematologists and Oncologists — If you need Pegasys for a blood disorder like polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia, a hematologist or hematologist-oncologist is the right specialist. Off-label use for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) has been a major driver of Pegasys demand.
• Infectious Disease Specialists — These doctors sometimes prescribe Pegasys for hepatitis, especially in patients with complex cases or HIV co-infection.

Your primary care doctor can refer you to the right specialist based on your condition. If you already know your diagnosis, you can also search for a specialist directly.

How to Find a Provider

1. Check Your Insurance Directory

Start with your insurance company's provider directory. Most insurers let you search online by specialty and location. Look for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, or hematologists who are in-network. Since Pegasys costs approximately $4,290 to $4,800 per month, staying in-network can save you thousands of dollars.

2. Use Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Online tools like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for specialists by condition, insurance, and location. You can filter for hepatologists or hematologists in your area and often book appointments online. When searching, try terms like "hepatitis B treatment" or "polycythemia vera specialist."

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

A referral from your primary care doctor is often the most reliable path. They can connect you with a specialist they trust and provide your medical records upfront, which speeds up the process. Some insurance plans require a referral before they'll cover a specialist visit.

4. Contact Academic Medical Centers

If you live near a university hospital or academic medical center, these institutions often have dedicated hepatology clinics and MPN programs. They're also more likely to have experience navigating Pegasys supply issues and may have access to the medication through specialty distribution channels.

5. Check with Specialty Pharmacies

Specialty pharmacies that dispense Pegasys may be able to recommend prescribers in your area who actively use the medication. Since Pegasys is distributed through limited channels (currently via Summit SD), these pharmacies have direct insight into which doctors are prescribing it.

What About Telehealth?

Pegasys is an injectable medication that requires regular blood monitoring and close follow-up, so a fully virtual approach isn't practical for ongoing treatment. However, an initial telehealth consultation with a specialist can help you:

• Discuss whether Pegasys is the right treatment for your condition
• Get a referral to a local specialist who prescribes it
• Review your medical history before an in-person visit

Keep in mind that whoever prescribes Pegasys will need to see you regularly for blood work, including complete blood counts and liver function tests.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you meet with a specialist about Pegasys, here's what to prepare for:

• Bring your medical records — Lab results, imaging, and any previous treatment history for your condition.
• List your current medications — Pegasys has important drug interactions, so your doctor needs a complete medication list.
• Discuss the treatment timeline — Pegasys treatment can last 6 to 12 months for hepatitis or be ongoing for blood disorders. Understanding the duration helps you plan.
• Ask about monitoring — You'll need regular blood tests to check for side effects like bone marrow suppression, thyroid problems, and liver function changes.
• Discuss the cost — At roughly $4,290 to $4,800 per month, cost matters. Ask about insurance coverage, prior authorization, and patient assistance programs.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes the prescription, finding the actual medication may be the next challenge. Pegasys is currently in an active shortage, and supply is limited through specialty distribution.

Here's what to do next:

1. Ask your doctor's office about buy-and-bill — Many specialists order Pegasys directly and administer it in the office, which simplifies the process.
2. Check specialty pharmacies — If you're self-injecting, your prescription will likely go through a specialty pharmacy. Ask which ones your doctor works with.
3. Use Medfinder — Medfinder can help you check if a pharmacy has Pegasys in stock and locate availability near you.
4. Discuss alternatives — If Pegasys is unavailable, ask your doctor about alternative treatments like BESREMi (Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b) for blood disorders or direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Pegasys starts with knowing which type of specialist you need — a hepatologist for liver disease or a hematologist for blood disorders. Use your insurance directory, online search tools, or a primary care referral to connect with the right provider. Given the current shortage, working with a specialist who has experience navigating Pegasys supply challenges will make the process smoother.

Need help finding Pegasys in stock? Try Medfinder to search for availability near you.