Atypical antipsychotic medications can be effective in managing mental health conditions in adults, children, and adolescents, but they may also increase the risk of weight gain and metabolic complications. By identifying metabolic changes early, you can help reduce your patients’ risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other long-term health complications associated with treatment.

Key care recommendations

Consider the following recommendations when caring for patients who are prescribed antipsychotic medications:

• Conduct metabolic screenings. When treatment starts, begin screening to establish baseline metabolic measurements, and continue monitoring at least quarterly while the patient remains on the medication. Depending on the patient’s clinical needs, monitoring may include weight or body mass index, blood glucose, HbA1c, and cholesterol.
• Include psychosocial care when appropriate. For children and adolescents who are newly prescribed an antipsychotic medication, consider psychosocial interventions such as individual, group, or family therapy as part of the treatment plan when clinically appropriate. Document the services provided in the medical record.

Help patients stay on track

You can also help patients follow their metabolic monitoring and therapy plans by taking these steps:

• Explain the potential risks of antipsychotic medications, and reinforce the importance of timely metabolic screening, psychosocial care, and follow-up.
• Document completed screenings, therapy referrals, psychosocial services, and patient education in the medical record.
• Ask about barriers to completing laboratory tests or attending therapy appointments, and work with patients to identify practical solutions when possible.
• When feasible, schedule metabolic monitoring during or immediately after a medication management visit.
• Help patients find available in-network therapy providers by directing them to the customer service phone number on the back of their Cigna Healthcare^® ID card.
• Use phone, email, or text reminders – or encourage patients to set their own reminders  – to support appointment attendance.
• Follow up with patients who miss metabolic monitoring appointments and help them reschedule promptly.
• Coordinate care and maintain communication with other health care providers involved in the patient’s treatment.

Need support?

For eligibility and benefit information or assistance with patient referrals, call Evernorth^® Behavioral Health Provider Services at 800.926.2273.