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

Tesamorelin (Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR) is a prescription-only specialty medication. To get it, you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider who is familiar with HIV-associated lipodystrophy and the specific clinical criteria required for prior authorization. This guide explains which providers can prescribe tesamorelin, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.

Who Can Prescribe Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is not a controlled substance, so there are no DEA schedule restrictions on prescribing. Any licensed prescriber in the United States can technically write a prescription for it. However, because tesamorelin is indicated specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — a condition that requires specialized knowledge to diagnose, document, and manage — it is almost always prescribed by specialists who treat HIV.

The following types of providers most commonly prescribe tesamorelin:

Infectious Disease (ID) Physicians: The most common prescribers. HIV specialists within ID practices have the deepest experience diagnosing lipodystrophy and managing tesamorelin therapy including monitoring labs and managing insurance requirements.

HIV Specialists: Physicians and advanced practice providers working in HIV clinics or specialty HIV practices are well-equipped to prescribe and manage tesamorelin.

Endocrinologists: Endocrinologists who work with HIV patients or metabolic conditions may prescribe tesamorelin, particularly when lipodystrophy has significant metabolic components (insulin resistance, dyslipidemia).

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs): PCPs who manage HIV patients can prescribe tesamorelin, particularly if they have experience with specialty drug prior authorizations. However, they may refer to an ID specialist for the initial evaluation.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs): Advanced practice providers with prescriptive authority can prescribe tesamorelin in states where they have independent or collaborative prescribing rights. Many HIV specialty clinics have NPs and PAs on staff who prescribe it routinely.

How to Find an HIV Specialist or ID Doctor Near You

Here are the most reliable ways to find a provider who can prescribe tesamorelin:

HIV Care Directory: The HIV.gov provider directory (locator.hiv.gov) lists HIV clinics, community health centers, and Ryan White program providers across the US. Many of these clinics have experience with lipodystrophy and tesamorelin.

Ask your current HIV doctor for a referral: If you already have an HIV doctor but they haven't addressed lipodystrophy, ask specifically about tesamorelin. If they don't prescribe it, ask for a referral to an ID specialist or endocrinologist who does.

Your insurance's provider directory: Log in to your insurance plan's website and search for "infectious disease" or "HIV specialist" doctors in your network.

Community HIV organizations: Organizations like local AIDS service organizations (ASOs) often have referral lists of HIV-competent providers in your area.

Is Telehealth Available for Tesamorelin Prescriptions?

Tesamorelin is not a controlled substance, so there are no federal restrictions on prescribing it via telehealth. However, because diagnosing HIV-associated lipodystrophy typically requires a physical examination, baseline lab work (IGF-1, glucose, HbA1c), and sometimes imaging to document excess visceral adipose tissue, telehealth prescribing usually requires at least some in-person evaluation. A provider may complete follow-up visits via telehealth after establishing care in person.

Some HIV-focused telehealth platforms do offer tesamorelin prescribing for on-label HIV lipodystrophy indications. If you live in a rural area or have difficulty traveling to an ID specialist, this may be a viable option. Check with your insurance plan whether telehealth visits with an ID provider are covered.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To help your appointment go smoothly and support the prior authorization process:

Your complete HIV history, including current antiretroviral medications

Any previous lab work (CD4 count, viral load, metabolic panel, glucose, HbA1c)

Description of when you first noticed abdominal fat changes and how they've progressed

Your insurance card and any information about your prescription drug plan

Once you have your prescription, medfinder can help you locate specialty pharmacies in your area that can fill it. And if you're concerned about the cost, see our complete guide on how to save money on tesamorelin in 2026.