Finding a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Rifaximin

If you need Rifaximin (brand name Xifaxan), the first step is finding the right provider. Rifaximin isn't something every doctor prescribes regularly — it's a specialized antibiotic used for conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and travelers' diarrhea. That means you may need to see a specific type of specialist to get your prescription.

This guide walks you through how to find a prescriber near you, what to expect at your appointment, and how to get your prescription filled once you have it.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Rifaximin?

Several types of doctors can prescribe Rifaximin, but the most common include:

• Gastroenterologists — The most frequent prescribers of Rifaximin. If you have IBS-D, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), or other digestive conditions, a GI specialist is your best bet.
• Hepatologists — Liver specialists who prescribe Rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver disease.
• Internal Medicine and Primary Care Physicians — Your regular doctor can prescribe Rifaximin, though some prefer to defer to a specialist, especially for insurance prior authorization.
• Infectious Disease Specialists — May prescribe Rifaximin for travelers' diarrhea or recurrent GI infections.
• Travel Medicine Doctors — Can prescribe the 200 mg dose for travelers' diarrhea prevention or treatment.

In general, if your condition requires the 550 mg tablet (hepatic encephalopathy or IBS-D), a gastroenterologist or hepatologist will be most familiar with the medication and the prior authorization process.

How to Find a Provider

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

Start with your insurance company's online provider directory. Search for gastroenterologists or hepatologists in your area who are in-network. This is the most cost-effective route since Rifaximin often requires prior authorization, and an in-network specialist can navigate that process more smoothly.

2. Try Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Websites like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for doctors by specialty and condition. Filter for gastroenterology, read reviews, and check which providers accept your insurance. Many also show same-week availability.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already have a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. Your PCP may be willing to prescribe Rifaximin directly, but if your insurance requires specialist authorization, a referral speeds things up. Some insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before you can see a specialist.

4. Consider Telehealth

Rifaximin is not a controlled substance, which means it can be prescribed via telehealth in all 50 states. Several telehealth platforms connect you with gastroenterologists or internal medicine doctors who can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe Rifaximin if appropriate. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area or can't get a specialist appointment quickly.

Popular telehealth options include your insurance company's virtual care platform, as well as services like Teladoc, Amwell, and MDLive.

5. Academic Medical Centers

If you're struggling to find a prescriber, consider calling a nearby academic medical center or university hospital. These facilities typically have GI departments with experience prescribing Rifaximin and handling complex prior authorizations.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

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

• Medical history review — Be ready to discuss your digestive symptoms, liver health, and any previous treatments you've tried.
• Prior treatments — Many insurance plans require step therapy before approving Rifaximin. For hepatic encephalopathy, you may need to have tried Lactulose first. Have documentation of previous medications ready.
• Testing — Your doctor may order blood work, stool tests, or a breath test (for SIBO) before prescribing.
• Insurance discussion — Don't be afraid to ask your doctor's office about their experience with Rifaximin prior authorizations. Offices that prescribe it regularly know how to get approvals faster.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes the prescription, you may still face some hurdles:

• Prior authorization — Most insurance plans require it. Your doctor's office will submit paperwork, and approval can take 2-7 business days.
• Finding it in stock — Rifaximin can sometimes be hard to find at pharmacies due to supply issues. Use Medfinder to check availability near you.
• Cost — Without insurance, Rifaximin costs $1,800 to $2,400 for a 30-day supply. Check out our guide on how to save money on Rifaximin for discount options including the Xifaxan Savings Card.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Rifaximin doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a gastroenterologist — either through your insurance directory, a referral from your primary care doctor, or telehealth. Come prepared with your medical history and prior treatments, and don't hesitate to ask about the prior authorization process upfront.

Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy that has Rifaximin in stock near you.