Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Vtama

If you've heard about Vtama (Tapinarof) cream for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis and want to try it, the first step is finding the right doctor. Vtama is a prescription-only medication, so you'll need a provider who's familiar with it and willing to prescribe it.

This guide walks you through which types of doctors prescribe Vtama, how to find one near you, and what to expect when you get there.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Vtama?

Vtama is a topical cream used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and atopic dermatitis in adults and children 2 years and older. The specialists most likely to prescribe it include:

• Dermatologists — The most common prescribers. Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions and are very familiar with Vtama and how it compares to other topical treatments.
• Allergists/Immunologists — Especially for atopic dermatitis, these doctors often manage eczema and may prescribe Vtama.
• Primary care doctors (family medicine or internal medicine) — Your regular doctor can prescribe Vtama, though they may refer you to a dermatologist first.
• Pediatricians — For children ages 2 and older with atopic dermatitis, a pediatrician may prescribe Vtama or refer to a pediatric dermatologist.

In most cases, a dermatologist is your best bet. They'll have the most experience with Vtama and can help navigate insurance requirements like prior authorization.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Vtama:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's website or app. Search for in-network dermatologists in your area. This ensures you'll get the best coverage and avoids surprise bills. Most insurance plans require prior authorization for Vtama, so working with an in-network provider makes that process smoother.

2. Try Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Websites like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for dermatologists by location, insurance accepted, and availability. You can often book same-week appointments online. Filter for dermatologists and check reviews from other patients.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already see a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a dermatologist. Some insurance plans (especially HMOs) require a referral before you can see a specialist. Your primary care doctor may also start treatment with Vtama themselves.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has made it much easier to see a dermatologist without leaving home. Several platforms offer virtual dermatology visits where a board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your skin condition and prescribe Vtama if appropriate. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area or face long wait times for in-person appointments.

Vtama is available through telehealth since it doesn't require in-office procedures — just a visual assessment of your skin.

5. Check Medfinder

Use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability for Vtama near you. Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy that has it in stock.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

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

• Skin examination — The doctor will look at your affected areas. For telehealth, you'll likely need to show your skin on camera.
• Medical history — They'll ask about previous treatments you've tried, including topical steroids and other creams. Many insurers require step therapy, meaning you need to have tried (and not responded well to) topical corticosteroids before they'll cover Vtama.
• Discussion of options — Your doctor may discuss Vtama alongside alternatives like Zoryve (Roflumilast), Opzelura (Ruxolitinib), or topical corticosteroids.
• Prior authorization — If your doctor prescribes Vtama, their office will likely need to submit a prior authorization to your insurance. This can take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Bring a list of all medications you're currently using (including over-the-counter products and supplements) and your insurance card.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor prescribes Vtama, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Check your insurance coverage first. Vtama costs $1,400–$2,100 out of pocket for a 60g tube without insurance. Most patients don't pay that much thanks to insurance and savings programs.
• Enroll in the MyVTAMA Savings Program. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 and no more than $35 per prescription.
• Find a pharmacy that stocks it. As a brand-only specialty cream, not every pharmacy keeps Vtama on the shelf. Use Medfinder to locate pharmacies with Vtama in stock.
• Understand how to apply it. Vtama is applied as a thin layer to affected areas once daily. Wash your hands after application unless you're treating your hands. Learn more about how Vtama works and how to use it.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor is the first step toward getting Vtama. A dermatologist is usually the best specialist to see, but primary care doctors and telehealth providers can also help. Once you have your prescription, tools like Medfinder make it easier to find a pharmacy with Vtama in stock near you.

Don't let the process intimidate you — with the right provider and a little preparation, you can get started on Vtama and see if it's the right treatment for your skin.