US GLP-1 prescribing patterns reveal coverage gaps, cost barriers, and premature prescribing from non-specialists | Research

The takeaway

Analysis of US GLP-1 prescribing reveals that while prescriptions surge, coverage issues, high costs, and premature prescribing from non-specialist physicians limit appropriate access and may result in suboptimal patient selection.

Access ≠ need
Despite surging prescriptions, GLP-1 drugs face coverage gaps, cost barriers, and quality concerns from non-specialist prescribing—limiting appropriate access for those who need them most

What the researchers found

GLP-1 prescriptions surging. Barriers: insurance coverage gaps, high costs, premature non-specialist prescribing. Issues: suboptimal patient selection, inadequate monitoring. Need: improved coverage, cost solutions, specialist involvement.

Why it matters

The GLP-1 drug revolution benefits only those who can access and afford them. Understanding prescribing pattern problems enables targeted solutions for equitable, appropriate use.

How the study worked

Analysis of US GLP-1 prescribing patterns and trends.

What this study cannot tell us

US-specific data. Rapidly evolving landscape. Cannot capture all prescribing nuances. Cost data varies by payer.

How to read the evidence

Descriptive prescribing analysis. Good for pattern identification.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

The gap between GLP-1 drug potential and actual population benefit is driven by access, cost, and prescribing quality—systemic problems requiring policy solutions.

Questions still open

How can insurance coverage for obesity GLP-1 prescribing be expanded?
Should GLP-1 prescribing require specialist involvement?
What patient selection criteria should non-specialists follow?

Common questions

Why is it hard to get GLP-1 drugs in the US?

Several barriers exist: many insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 drugs for obesity (only for diabetes), out-of-pocket costs can be hundreds of dollars monthly, drug shortages limit supply, and the rapid increase in prescribing from non-specialist doctors raises quality concerns.

Should only specialists prescribe GLP-1 drugs?

This study suggests that non-specialist prescribing may result in suboptimal patient selection and inadequate monitoring. While primary care access is important, appropriate training and guidelines for GLP-1 prescribing should be ensured regardless of prescriber specialty.

Read the original research

Trends in glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist prescribing patterns.

The American journal of managed care, 31(8), e228-e234

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Ukhanova, Maria; Wozny, Joseph S; Truong, Chau N; Ghosh, Lopita; Krause, Trudy M. (2025). Trends in glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist prescribing patterns.. The American journal of managed care, 31(8), e228-e234. https://doi.org/10.37765/ajmc.2025.89778