Updated: January 22, 2026

How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) Near You [2026 Guide]

Q: Do I need to see a cardiologist to get Entresto?

Not necessarily. While most Entresto prescriptions are initiated by cardiologists or heart failure specialists, primary care physicians, internists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can also prescribe sacubitril/valsartan. However, for a first-time prescription, a cardiologist evaluation is strongly recommended to confirm the HFrEF diagnosis with echocardiogram and establish baseline renal function and electrolytes.

Q: Can I get Entresto without seeing a specialist?

Yes, in principle — Entresto is not a controlled substance and any licensed prescriber can prescribe it. However, the FDA-approved indication requires a confirmed diagnosis of HFrEF (reduced ejection fraction), which typically requires cardiac imaging (echocardiogram). Most insurance plans also require documentation of prior ACE inhibitor or ARB use before approving Entresto.

Q: Is Entresto available through telehealth prescribers?

For established heart failure patients with documented diagnosis and recent cardiac imaging on file, telehealth appointments for sacubitril/valsartan refills and adjustments are widely available. Initial prescribing typically requires an in-person cardiology visit to confirm diagnosis, review imaging, and establish baseline labs.

Q: What tests do I need before starting Entresto?

Before starting sacubitril/valsartan, your doctor will typically want: (1) an echocardiogram confirming reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <40%), (2) baseline renal function tests (BMP or CMP), (3) a potassium level check, and (4) documentation of your current and prior medications, including any ACE inhibitor or ARB you've taken. Most plans also require a 36-hour washout period after stopping an ACE inhibitor before starting Entresto.

Author

Peter Daggett

Summarize with AI

Is Entresto a Controlled Substance?
Which Doctors Prescribe Entresto?
What You Need to Qualify for an Entresto Prescription
How to Find a Cardiologist Near You
Can I Get Entresto via Telehealth?
Once You Have a Prescription: Finding Entresto in Stock

Need a prescription for Entresto? Learn which doctors prescribe sacubitril/valsartan, what you need to qualify, and how to find a provider near you in 2026.

Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is a prescription-only medication for heart failure — but navigating the healthcare system to get the right prescription, from the right doctor, can be challenging. This guide explains who prescribes Entresto, what qualifications are needed to receive it, and how to find a provider near you, including telehealth options.

Is Entresto a Controlled Substance?

No. Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. Any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with prescribing authority can prescribe it — there are no special DEA registration requirements or quantity limits tied to controlled substance scheduling. This makes it more accessible than many cardiac medications to obtain via a variety of providers and telehealth services.

Which Doctors Prescribe Entresto?

Entresto is primarily managed by specialists, but primary care providers play an important role too. Here are the types of providers who prescribe sacubitril/valsartan:

Cardiologists: The primary prescribers for Entresto. Heart failure specialists and general cardiologists manage the majority of Entresto prescriptions. If you have a diagnosed heart condition, your cardiologist is your starting point.

Heart Failure Specialists: Cardiologists with subspecialty training in advanced heart failure and transplant medicine. They manage the most complex cases and are most up-to-date on GDMT protocols.

Primary Care Physicians (Internal Medicine and Family Medicine): Many PCPs manage stable heart failure patients and continue prescriptions initiated by a cardiologist. For new initiation, a cardiology evaluation is typically preferred.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs): Advanced practice providers working in cardiology or primary care practices can prescribe sacubitril/valsartan in most states. Many heart failure clinics are staffed by NPs and PAs who are experts in GDMT.

Pediatric Cardiologists: For pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with systemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, a pediatric cardiologist is the appropriate prescriber.

What You Need to Qualify for an Entresto Prescription

To receive a sacubitril/valsartan prescription for the FDA-approved indication, you typically need:

A confirmed diagnosis of chronic heart failure

Reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <40%), confirmed by echocardiogram or other cardiac imaging

NYHA Class II, III, or IV heart failure symptoms

Prior tolerance of an ACE inhibitor or ARB (required for most insurance prior authorizations)

No history of angioedema related to ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy

Not currently pregnant (Entresto carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity)

How to Find a Cardiologist Near You

Here are the best ways to find a cardiologist who can evaluate and prescribe Entresto:

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Most insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits. If you have symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, leg swelling, fatigue), your PCP can order an echocardiogram and refer you to cardiology.

Use your insurance directory. Log into your insurance plan's website and search for "cardiologist" or "heart failure specialist" within your network.

Check the ACC HF Clinics Locator. The American College of Cardiology has resources to help patients find heart failure clinics and specialists.

Can I Get Entresto via Telehealth?

For established heart failure patients with documented diagnosis and LVEF data on file, telehealth appointments for Entresto prescription refills and dose adjustments are widely available. However, for first-time prescribing, most cardiologists will want to see you in person to review your echocardiogram, examine you, and order baseline labs (renal function, potassium). After that initial visit, many practices can manage stable patients via telehealth.

Once You Have a Prescription: Finding Entresto in Stock

Once you have your prescription, the next challenge is filling it. Use medfinder to find which pharmacies near you have sacubitril/valsartan in stock and can fill your prescription. If availability is a recurring problem, learn about alternatives to Entresto to discuss with your cardiologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While most Entresto prescriptions are initiated by cardiologists or heart failure specialists, primary care physicians, internists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can also prescribe sacubitril/valsartan. However, for a first-time prescription, a cardiologist evaluation is strongly recommended to confirm the HFrEF diagnosis with echocardiogram and establish baseline renal function and electrolytes.

Yes, in principle — Entresto is not a controlled substance and any licensed prescriber can prescribe it. However, the FDA-approved indication requires a confirmed diagnosis of HFrEF (reduced ejection fraction), which typically requires cardiac imaging (echocardiogram). Most insurance plans also require documentation of prior ACE inhibitor or ARB use before approving Entresto.

For established heart failure patients with documented diagnosis and recent cardiac imaging on file, telehealth appointments for sacubitril/valsartan refills and adjustments are widely available. Initial prescribing typically requires an in-person cardiology visit to confirm diagnosis, review imaging, and establish baseline labs.

Before starting sacubitril/valsartan, your doctor will typically want: (1) an echocardiogram confirming reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <40%), (2) baseline renal function tests (BMP or CMP), (3) a potassium level check, and (4) documentation of your current and prior medications, including any ACE inhibitor or ARB you've taken. Most plans also require a 36-hour washout period after stopping an ACE inhibitor before starting Entresto.

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