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

Xeljanz XR (tofacitinib extended-release) is a prescription medication that treats several serious autoimmune conditions — including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis. Not every doctor prescribes it, and your insurance may require a specialist. Here's who can prescribe Xeljanz XR and how to find one near you.

Which Doctors Prescribe Xeljanz XR?

Xeljanz XR is most commonly prescribed by:

Rheumatologists — For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This is the most common type of specialist who initiates Xeljanz XR.

Gastroenterologists — For ulcerative colitis (UC). Most UC patients are managed by a GI specialist, and many insurance plans require a GI to initiate Xeljanz XR for this indication.

Internists and Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) — Some PCPs prescribe Xeljanz XR for patients with established diagnoses, particularly for maintenance therapy. However, many insurance plans require initial prescribing by a specialist.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) — NPs and PAs working within rheumatology or gastroenterology practices can prescribe Xeljanz XR in most states, subject to state scope-of-practice laws.

How to Find a Rheumatologist Near You

If you have RA, PsA, or AS and don't yet have a rheumatologist, here's how to find one:

Use the ACR Find a Rheumatologist tool at rheumatology.org to search by zip code.

Check your insurer's provider directory to find in-network rheumatologists in your area.

Ask your PCP for a referral. Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist and provide initial labs to speed up the new patient appointment.

Wait times for new rheumatology appointments can be long — often several weeks to months. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, ask your PCP about temporary options while waiting.

Can I Get a Xeljanz XR Prescription Via Telehealth?

Telehealth is widely used for ongoing Xeljanz XR management, especially for patients in remote areas or with limited mobility. However, there are important limitations:

Initial diagnosis and pre-treatment workup (labs, imaging) typically require in-person visits

Physical examination findings are used to assess joint disease activity and cannot be done remotely

Routine monitoring labs (CBC, lipids, LFTs every 3 months) can be ordered telehealth but blood draws must be done locally

For established patients with stable disease, telehealth is often the most convenient way to maintain Xeljanz XR prescriptions. Platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, or specialty-specific services can connect you with rheumatologists or GI specialists remotely.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

To speed up your path to a Xeljanz XR prescription, bring the following to your specialist appointment:

Records of your diagnosis and prior treatments (medication names, doses, dates, outcomes)

Recent lab results (CBC, CRP, ESR, LFTs)

Imaging reports if available (X-rays, MRI for joint or spinal disease)

Current medication list and any insurance information

Learn more about what Xeljanz XR treats and how it works in our guide: What Is Xeljanz XR? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026.

Once you have your prescription, use medfinder to locate which pharmacies near you can fill it.