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Prescribing Antipsychotic Medications? Monitor Patients with Care

Date: 05/24/24

Antipsychotic medications are effective in treating symptoms of certain mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They may also be prescribed for symptomatic relief for a range of other emotional problems. Despite benefits for many, antipsychotics may have significant side effects such as:

• Considerable weight gain and obesity-related complications • Diabetes • Cardiovascular issues such as hypertension • Hypercholesterolemia • Movement disorders[1]

It’s important to perform a metabolic baseline test and ongoing annual testing for all patients (children through adults) who take antipsychotic medications.

Metabolic testing must include both LDL-C and HbA1c annually.

 CPT Codes:
(Children**) 		HbA1c Tests: 83036, 83037, 3044F, 3045F, 3046F, 3051F, 3052F
Glucose Tests (other): 80047, 80048, 80050, 80053, 80069, 82947, 82950, 82951
**LDL-C Tests: 80061, 83700, 83701, 83704, 83721, 83722, 3011F, 3048F, 3049F, 3050F
 CPT Codes:
(Adults) 		HbA1c Tests: 83036, 83037, 3044F, 3045F, 3046F, 3051F, 3052F
Glucose Tests (other): 80047, 80048, 80050, 80053, 80069, 82947, 82950, 82951
LDL-C tests: 80061, 83700, 83701, 83704, 83721, 83722, 3011F, 3048F, 3049F, 3050F

Remember BEFORE Prescribing

  • Ensure patients have received a physical exam and been appropriately evaluated and diagnosed, and an alternative course of treatment does not exist.
  • Collaborate with and refer patients to mental health specialists/providers.
  • If intended as a short-term intervention, note the Stop Date, and schedule the follow-up.
  • Educate patients about possible side effects like weight gain, movement disorders, and other risks that must be monitored with regular blood tests.
  • Tell patients why it’s important to keep appointments with all treatment providers and for preventive health care.

Next Steps…

Talk with your patient about:

  • How to take the medications, how they work, and expected benefits.
  • How long the patient should take them.
  • Why it’s important to keep taking medication even if the patient begins feeling better.
  • Scheduling appointments for continued monitoring and metabolic testing
  • Medication side effects they are experiencing.
  • What to do if they have questions or concerns and what to do if they are considering stopping the medication.

1.      [1] Bostwick, J.R. & Murphy, L.R. (2017, May 29). Metabolic monitoring of antipsychotic medications: what psychiatrists need to know. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/metabolic-monitoring-antipsychotic-medications-what-psychiatrists-need-know



Last Updated: 05/24/2024