How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Zenpep Near You [2026 Guide]

Zenpep (pancrelipase) is a prescription medication — you cannot purchase it over the counter. To get Zenpep, you need a diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This guide explains who can prescribe it, how to get evaluated, and how to access care near you in 2026.

Who Can Prescribe Zenpep?

Zenpep is not a controlled substance, so any licensed prescriber can write a prescription for it. The most common prescribers include:

• Gastroenterologists (GI specialists). The most common prescribers of Zenpep for adult EPI patients. GI specialists evaluate pancreatic function, confirm EPI diagnosis, and manage long-term enzyme therapy.
• Pulmonologists (lung specialists). For patients with cystic fibrosis, pulmonologists are often the primary managing physician and regularly prescribe Zenpep as part of comprehensive CF care.
• Primary care physicians (PCPs) and internists. PCPs can diagnose EPI and prescribe Zenpep for straightforward cases, especially when a specialist referral is not immediately available. They often manage ongoing prescriptions after initial specialist evaluation.
• Pediatricians and pediatric GI specialists. Children with cystic fibrosis, congenital pancreatic conditions, or other causes of pediatric EPI are typically managed by pediatric specialists who prescribe and monitor Zenpep therapy from infancy.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). In most states, NPs and PAs have full prescribing authority and can prescribe Zenpep independently or as part of a collaborative care team.
• Oncologists. Patients with pancreatic cancer who have had surgery (Whipple procedure or pancreatectomy) often develop EPI and may receive Zenpep prescriptions from their oncology team.

What Symptoms Suggest EPI and a Need for Zenpep?

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially in the context of a known pancreatic condition:

• Oily, greasy, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
• Unexplained significant weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea or loose stools after eating
• Severe bloating and gas after meals
• Abdominal pain or cramping after eating
• Nausea, especially with fatty meals
• Signs of nutritional deficiency (fatigue, brittle nails, vision problems)

How Is EPI Diagnosed?

Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to confirm EPI:

• 72-hour fecal fat test: The gold standard; measures how much dietary fat is being absorbed
• Fecal elastase-1 test: A stool test that measures pancreatic enzyme output; a level below 200 mcg/g is diagnostic
• Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound): To visualize the pancreas and identify structural causes like calcification, ductal dilation, or tumors
• Serum labs: Low fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), low albumin, elevated liver enzymes

How to Find a Doctor for EPI Near You

Here are practical steps to find a prescriber for Zenpep in your area:

1. Start with your primary care doctor. If you're experiencing EPI symptoms, your PCP can order initial labs and imaging, make a provisional diagnosis, and prescribe Zenpep — or refer you to a GI specialist for confirmation.
2. Ask for a gastroenterology referral. A GI specialist can confirm EPI diagnosis, optimize your Zenpep dose, and monitor for complications like fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.
3. Check your insurer's provider directory. Use your insurance company's online directory to find in-network gastroenterologists or internists near you who see patients with pancreatic conditions.
4. Consider a CF care center. If your EPI is caused by cystic fibrosis, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) maintains a directory of accredited CF care centers at cff.org/find-care. These centers have multidisciplinary teams experienced with PERT management.

Can I Get Zenpep Through Telehealth?

Yes — for established patients who have already been diagnosed with EPI and are stable on Zenpep, telehealth is often a convenient option for ongoing prescription refills and dose adjustments. Many GI practices and primary care providers now offer telehealth follow-up appointments.

However, initial EPI diagnosis typically requires in-person evaluation with lab testing, imaging, and physical examination. Telehealth is best for managing ongoing therapy, not for first-time diagnosis.

The Bottom Line

Getting a Zenpep prescription starts with finding the right doctor. Most patients will work with a gastroenterologist or pulmonologist for initial diagnosis and with their primary care doctor for ongoing management. Telehealth can be a convenient option for established patients. For more background on Zenpep itself, see our guide: What Is Zenpep? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.