While the use of atypical antipsychotic medications can be effective in the management of mental health disorders in adults, children, and adolescents, they also increase the risk for weight gain and metabolic disorders.

Following are recommendations for treating patients who are prescribed antipsychotic medications:

• Metabolic screenings. Screening should begin at the initiation of treatment and continue at least quarterly as long as an individual remains on the medication.
• Individual, group, or family therapy.

To help your patients comply with their metabolic monitoring and therapy-based treatment plans, consider the following:

• Explain the importance and benefit of follow up for both metabolic monitoring and psychosocial care to patients.
• Schedule any metabolic monitoring appointments during or immediately following a patient’s medication management visit.
• When possible, assist patients in identifying in-network therapy providers who have availability by encouraging them to call the Customer Service number located on the back of their Cigna Healthcare^® ID card.
• Utilize phone, email, or text appointment reminders to help ensure patients attend their scheduled appointments (or recommend patients establish a reminder process).
• Reach out to patients who do not complete their metabolic monitoring appointments and reschedule them as soon as possible.
• Promote coordination of care and communication between yourself and other health care providers involved in the patient’s care.

Additional information

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