Non-Doctors Now Handle 40% of Antipsychotic Scripts in Medicare

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/psychiatry/generalpsychiatry/120493...

Published: Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:13:50 -0400

According to Medicare data, nonphysicians now fill 40% of antipsychotic prescriptions for older adults. This trend reflects a change in the mental health care workforce. Antipsychotic medications are prescribed to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions, including psychosis and bipolar disorder. The growing share of prescriptions from non-physicians may be related to the shortage of psychiatrists and the increased demand for psychopharmacological care. Data come from a cross-sectional analysis of Medicare records. This shift in prescribing practices has implications for the quality and consistency of care for older patients with psychiatric disorders.