Normally, unless there is a specific reason to not do so, a cardiologist who learns his/her patient has formally diagnosed AF will ask that person to take a DOAC. They go by the CHA2DS2-VASc calculated score where if the patient is at 2 or above, they are supposed (?) to be placed on a DOAC. Maybe your score is under that, or perhaps your cardiologist is concerned that a DOAC is counterproductive for you. Might be something to run past that person next time.