Finding the Right Doctor for Your Xulane Prescription

If you're interested in Xulane — the once-weekly birth control patch — your first step is finding a provider who can write that prescription. The good news: you don't necessarily need a specialist. Many types of healthcare providers can prescribe Xulane, and there are more ways than ever to connect with one.

This guide walks you through exactly how to find a prescriber, what to expect at your visit, and how to make the process as smooth as possible.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Xulane?

Xulane is a combined hormonal contraceptive patch containing Norelgestromin and Ethinyl Estradiol. It's prescribed by a wide range of providers:

• OB/GYNs — The most common prescribers for contraceptives. They're experts in reproductive health and can discuss all your options.
• Family Medicine doctors — Your primary care doctor can absolutely prescribe Xulane. Many women get their birth control from their regular doctor.
• Internal Medicine physicians — Another primary care option, especially if you already have an established relationship.
• Adolescent Medicine specialists — For teens and young adults seeking contraception.
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) — Fully authorized to prescribe Xulane in all 50 states. Often easier to get an appointment with and may have more availability.

In short, almost any provider who manages women's health can prescribe the patch. You don't need a referral to a specialist in most cases.

How to Find a Provider

1. Check Your Insurance Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's provider directory. Log in to your insurance company's website or app and search for in-network OB/GYNs or family medicine providers near you. This ensures your visit — and likely your Xulane prescription — will be covered.

Under the ACA contraceptive mandate, most insurance plans cover Xulane with low or no copay. But seeing an in-network doctor keeps your out-of-pocket costs lowest.

2. Use Zocdoc or Similar Booking Platforms

Platforms like Zocdoc, Solv, and Healthgrades let you search for doctors by specialty, insurance accepted, and appointment availability. You can often book same-week appointments online. Filter for OB/GYN or Family Medicine and look for providers with availability that works for your schedule.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you already see a primary care doctor, ask them to prescribe Xulane directly — or to refer you to an OB/GYN if they prefer. A warm referral can get you seen faster and ensures your records transfer smoothly.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has made getting a contraceptive prescription easier than ever. Several platforms can prescribe Xulane remotely:

• Planned Parenthood Direct — Offers online birth control prescriptions in many states.
• Nurx — Telehealth platform specializing in birth control, including the patch.
• PRJKT RUBY — Another telehealth option for contraceptive prescriptions.
• Your existing doctor's telehealth portal — Many providers now offer video visits for routine prescriptions.

Telehealth visits are typically covered by insurance the same as in-person visits. They're a great option if you have limited local providers or a busy schedule.

5. Community Health Centers and Title X Clinics

If you're uninsured or underinsured, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and Title X family planning clinics provide contraceptive services on a sliding fee scale. Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate one near you.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Whether in person or via telehealth, here's what typically happens when you ask about Xulane:

• Medical history review — Your provider will ask about your health history, including any history of blood clots, migraines with aura, smoking status, and your BMI. Xulane has a boxed warning and is contraindicated for women with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher and women over 35 who smoke.
• Blood pressure check — Required before starting any combined hormonal contraceptive. For telehealth visits, you may be asked to check this at a pharmacy kiosk or at home.
• Discussion of options — Your provider may discuss alternatives like Twirla (a lower-dose patch), NuvaRing, or oral contraceptive pills. This is a good time to ask why the patch might be right for you.
• Prescription — If Xulane is appropriate, your provider will send the prescription to your pharmacy. Most prescribe a 3-month or 12-month supply.

The entire visit is usually 15 to 20 minutes. It's straightforward — contraceptive prescriptions don't require lab work or special testing in most cases.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Rx, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. A few things to keep in mind:

• Check stock first — While Xulane isn't in a major shortage, some pharmacies may not keep it on hand. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock before making the trip.
• Know your cost — With insurance, Xulane is often $0 to $30 per month. Without insurance, it runs $100 to $200 per box of 3 patches. Discount cards like GoodRx can bring the cash price down to around $47. See our savings guide for more details.
• Manufacturer savings card — Viatris offers a Xulane Savings Card: $0 on your first fill and $15 on each refill for commercially insured patients, saving up to $425 per year.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor to prescribe Xulane is usually the easy part. Most primary care providers and OB/GYNs are comfortable prescribing it, and telehealth has opened up even more options. The key is making sure the patch is a good fit for your health profile — especially given the BMI and smoking-related restrictions.

Start with your insurance directory or a booking platform, or try a telehealth visit if you want the fastest route. Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy with Xulane in stock near you.