Medication Access Specialist Technician

Reports to Pharmacist-in-Charge Brown University Health Specialty Pharmacy. Under the supervision of a Pharmacist and direction of the Pharmacy Technician Group Leader performs advanced technical functions in preparing, formulating, and packaging medication and pharmaceutical supplies. Assists the Pharmacy Technician Group Leader in coordinating specialty pharmacy activities in keeping with the scope of services provided and with consideration to the age of the patients/customers being served. Interacts effectively and compassionately with customers/patients and families. Interacts effectively and professionally with other health care workers at all levels including but not limited to providers, nurses, and support personnel. Obtains accurate and necessary patient information needed to process prescriptions and payment transactions. Accesses, inputs, and retrieves necessary information using multiple pharmacy system applications.

Exhibits a friendly, pleasant, and helpful nature demonstrating a strong customer service orientation when interacting with customers/patients, providers, nurses, and support personnel. Maintains and supports pharmacy interdepartmental relationships to ensure seamless transition of patient care from clinic to pharmacy.

Participates in the growth of the Specialty Pharmacy patient population through face-to-face patient interaction and recruitment. Responds to questions relative to cost and availability of medication and pharmaceutical supplies. Informs customers/patients, providers, and support personnel of wait times and any issues regarding drug availability including advising on the refill authorization process for expired prescription orders. Educates patients on the features and value of the Brown University Health Pharmacy Specialty Drug Patient Management Program (SDPMP).

Protects and maintains customer/patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA guidelines. Collects customer/patient personal information necessary for filling prescriptions and/or benefits investigation including but not limited to name, address, date of birth, and insurance information. Enters pertinent customer/patient data into appropriate pharmacy systems to ensure accurate processing of insurance billing/payment. Collects and processes payment for customer/patient transactions.

Encourages patient retention through the development of individual relationships with assigned patients. Proactively contacts patients via phone, in-person, or other supervisor approved modality to assess patient need for medication including estimations of patient adherence such as medication supply on hand. Assists patients/customers in resolving identified problems. Proactively identifies patients with clinical needs such as questions concerning medications and drug interactions and refers such patients to a pharmacist.

Conducts a benefits investigation for patients new to the SDPMP and identifies coverage details that the patient or patient’s representative are unable to provide. Secures therapy-related financial assistance for patients whenever possible including but not limited to manufacturer assistance programs and nationally recognized foundations. Navigates the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to effectively answer questions and provide documentation as needed for prior authorizations and/or financial assistance application. Refers patients to medication manufacturer assistance programs and/or aids with application to said programs when applicable.

Secures medication refills and prior authorization renewals proactively. Assists pharmacists in identifying ancillary supplies necessary for select medications such as sharps containers, needles/syringes, alcohol swabs, and bandages that may not have been prescribed for the patient.

Assumes responsibility for assigned areas of the pharmacy including but not limited to Specialty Pharmacy call center operations, non-sterile compounding, medication purchasing, and prescription dispensing operations including delivery support. Ensures medication supply areas are neat and orderly and medications are stored under proper conditions for light, temperature, and sanitation. Supports accreditation maintenance and payor and medication access through the documentation of required data points related to patient care and operations.

Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities. Assists in identifying improvement opportunities and in the development of new processes. Participates in medication safety initiatives related to the Brown University Health Pharmacy and uses approved processes for reporting actual, prevented, and near-miss medication errors.

Under the guidance of a Pharmacist or Technician Group Leader, assists in training, on-boarding, and supporting fellow staff.

Rotates to applicable Brown University Health Pharmacy Services work assignments as needed contingent upon demonstrated competency and knowledge.