Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran, are prescribed to prevent and treat venous thromboembolisms and reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolisms in atrial fibrillation. Compared to vitamin K antagonists, these drugs offer several benefits, such as rapid onset of action, through direct inhibition of coagulation factors, predictable anticoagulant effects without routine monitoring, fixed daily dosing (once or twice a day), a broader therapeutic window, and notably fewer food and drug interactions. While DOACs generally do not require routine monitoring of anticoagulant effect, measuring DOAC activity may be necessary in specific scenarios, such as before urgent surgery.